Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Type 1.5 Diabetes: A Look at the Rare Condition
Imagine your body has a problem where it doesn't make enough insulin, which helps use sugar for energy.
This condition, called Type 1.5 diabetes, is a bit like two other types of diabetes.
It's similar to Type 1 because the body's defenses mistakenly attack the cells that make insulin.
It's also similar to Type 2 because it often happens in adults and develops slowly.
People with it might feel very thirsty, tired, and hungry, and may lose weight without trying.
Doctors may use medicine to control blood sugar.
Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as LADA, shares traits of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
It is caused by an autoimmune reaction that attacks insulin-producing cells.
Symptoms often include excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
Diagnosis is often delayed due to symptoms not clearly matching Type 1 or Type 2.
The condition is often managed with oral medications at first.
- Who
- Type 1.5 diabetes affects adults.
- What
- It is a condition that shares traits of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, often mistaken for Type 2.
- When
- Type 1.5 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults over 30.
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- It is caused by an autoimmune reaction where antibodies mistakenly attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Also known as
- Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (Lada)
- Description
- Shares traits of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- Cause
- Autoimmune reaction attacking insulin-producing cells
- Symptoms
- Excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, increased hunger, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts, itchy skin
- Treatment
- Managed with oral medications initially
- Prevalence
- Between 4-12% of people diagnosed with Type 2 may have Lada