Topic
Understanding LADA
What it is, what causes it, and how it affects the body.
What Is LADA?
LADA is autoimmune diabetes that starts in adulthood and develops slowly, which is why it is so often mistaken for Type 2 diabetes at first.
Why "Type 1.5" Is an Imperfect Name
The nickname Type 1.5 captures something real about LADA sitting between the two main types, but the antibody test matters far more than the label.
The Slow Autoimmune Attack
In LADA your immune system destroys insulin-making cells gradually rather than rapidly, and that slower pace explains almost everything about the condition.
How Common Is LADA?
Estimates put LADA at roughly 4 to 12% of adult-onset diabetes worldwide, though India has no national figure and most cases are never tested for.
LADA and Other Autoimmune Conditions
Thyroid disease and other autoimmune conditions occur more often alongside LADA, and a family history of them is one of the strongest reasons to test.