Pop singer Lance Bass recently shared on social media that he has type 1.5 diabetes, also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).
The former NSYNC member was initially diagnosed type 2 diabetes A few years ago, she wrote in an Instagram post.
“But when I was first diagnosed, I had a hard time controlling my glucose levels even though I made adjustments to my diet, my medications, and my Exercise routine“he said. “Things just didn't add up.”
DIABETES PATIENTS NOW HAVE ACCESS TO THE FIRST GENERIC GLP-1 DRUG: 'MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE'
Bass then revealed what he called a “plot twist.”
“I recently found out that I had been misdiagnosed and that I actually have type 1.5 diabetes, or latent autoimmune adult-onset diabetes. [LADA].”
What is type 1.5 diabetes?
Type 1.5 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the pancreas, called beta cells, that secrete insulin, a hormone that helps regulate glucose levels in the body, according to experts.
The condition is usually diagnosed in people aged 30 or older and progressively worsens over time.
STUDY FINDS THAT DIABETES PATIENTS WHO USE OZEMPIC AND OTHER TREATMENTS INSTEAD OF INSULIN HAVE A LOWER RISK OF CANCER
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) classifies LADA as a subset of type 1, “because they are all characterized by autoimmunity and differ only in the rate of beta cell destruction,” said Obici, who has not treated Bass.
Type 1.5 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the pancreas, called beta cells, that secrete insulin, a hormone that helps regulate glucose levels in the body. (iStock)
The symptoms of type 1.5 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but there are also some differences.
EATING YOGURT COULD HELP PREVENT A COMMON DISEASE, FDA SAYS
“Both conditions can have a slow onset characterized by fatigue, urinary tract infections, blurred vision and mild problems that can sometimes be ignored.”
Unlike type 2 diabetes, LADA is associated with a progressive loss of insulin that cannot be controlled by lifestyle changes Like diet and exercise, they may not respond to medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, Peterson added.
Possibility of misdiagnosis
Studies show that about 10% of adults with type 1.5 diabetes are initially misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
In the case of LADA, “presentation is often slow, making it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions, especially early in the course of diagnosis,” Peterson said.
Unlike type 2 diabetes, LADA is associated with a progressive loss of insulin that cannot be controlled with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. (iStock)
There are blood tests that can identify the type of diabetes, he said.
Dr. David Lam, an associate professor in the division of endocrinology, diabetes and bone diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, declined to comment on Bass's case but agreed that type 1.5 diabetes can be misdiagnosed.
Each year, more than one million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and about 10% of them have type 1.5.
“This is usually based on elements of the person's personality. Medical recordsuch as the onset of diabetes at an earlier age, a lower body mass index, or a family or personal history of other autoimmune diseases,” he added.
Treatment and intervention
Although LADA shares some of the same symptoms as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, experts noted that its treatment may be different.
FOR DIABETES PATIENTS, INHALED INSULIN IS PROVEN TO BE AS EFFECTIVE AS INJECTIONS AND PUMPS
During this period, traditional treatments used for type 2 diabetes may work, he noted, “but as the disease progresses and the pancreas' ability to produce insulin decreases significantly, injected insulin therapy becomes necessary to control blood glucose levels.”
Treatment is also challenging because type 1.5 diabetes progresses at a different rate in each individual and can be difficult to predict, Lam noted.
Experts say all types of diabetes should be controlled with dietary intervention. (iStock)
Specific medications Treatment for the disease will depend on the severity of the beta cell deficiency, Obici said.
“On the other hand, if beta cells produce some or a substantial amount of insulin, LADA can be treated with a combination of insulin and other medications used for type 2 diabetes, such as metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and DPPIV inhibitors.”
According to Obici, all types of diabetes should be controlled with dietary intervention.
“In type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, dietary intervention focuses on helping to keep blood glucose under control and prevent hypoglycemia,” he said.
“In type 2 diabetes, dietary and lifestyle modification focuses not only on glycemic control, but also on promoting Weight loss.”
For those who are told they have type 2 diabetes and are young, not overweight and not responding to pills, one doctor said he recommends asking about getting tested for type 1.5. (iStock)
For those who are told they have type 2 diabetes and are young, not overweight and not responding to pills, Burtch generally recommends they ask about getting tested for type 1.5.
“As a physician, it is important to always keep this diagnosis in mind Patients with diabetes“, he advised.
According to the ADA, approximately 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year, and about 10% of them have type 1.5.
