Adults can also develop Type 1 Diabetes. Let's talk about this!

When you talk about diabetes, you must have heard about two types, Type 1 and Type 2, right? Most of us think that Type 1 diabetes only affects children and young adults, and Type 2 only affects adults. But that's not entirely true. Type 1 diabetes can also develop in adulthood. This can sometimes be missed by doctors, which can lead to a delay in making an accurate diagnosis. So today we're going to talk about this important topic.

What is adult-onset Type 1 diabetes?

Simply put, this is the same as Type 1 diabetes. But it starts in adulthood. The pancreas is an organ in our body that produces a hormone called insulin. This insulin helps the body's cells absorb the sugar (glucose) in the food we eat for energy.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when our body's own immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. This is an autoimmune condition . When it develops in adults, it is medically known as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) .

This condition often begins after the age of 30. Because its symptoms are so similar to Type 2 diabetes, many people are initially misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. But it's important to understand the difference between the two and get the right treatment for you.

Is this different from Type 1 that occurs in children?

Think of it this way: LADA and childhood Type 1 diabetes are like two characters in the same story. Both involve the immune system attacking the pancreas. But the main difference is the speed at which the disease progresses.

• Type 1 diabetes in children: This develops very quickly. The cells in the pancreas are destroyed quickly, and insulin production stops. Therefore, symptoms appear quickly, and insulin injections must be started immediately.
• Adult-onset LADA: This develops very slowly. The cells in the pancreas are destroyed gradually. Therefore, the body produces some insulin in the early stages. For this reason, it is often mistaken for Type 2. Some doctors also call it "Type 1.5 diabetes."

What are the reasons for this situation?

The exact reason why our own immune system attacks the pancreas is still unknown, but it is believed that certain factors may play a role.

• Genetic influence: If your parents have Type 1 diabetes, you have a slightly higher risk of developing it too.
• Viruses or environmental factors: Some viral infections or toxins in the environment can trigger this immune process.
• Lifestyle: Unlike Type 1 diabetes in children, certain lifestyle habits can also affect LADA in adults. For example, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption increase the risk.

What are the symptoms that can be identified?

Sometimes this condition can be present without any symptoms. However, the most common symptoms are similar to those of Type 2 diabetes. These may appear gradually over several months.

How exactly does the doctor find this?

It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose type 1 diabetes in an adult. This is because symptoms appear slowly, and because it can develop in people of normal weight who are not obese, like many people with type 2 diabetes, even a doctor may not suspect it at first.

There are several tests that are commonly used to check for diabetes:

• Glycated hemoglobin (A1c) test: This checks your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
• Fasting blood sugar test: A test done in the morning before eating or drinking anything.
• Random blood sugar test: A test done at any time of the day.

Once these tests confirm the presence of diabetes, more special tests are performed to determine whether it is Type 1 (LADA) or Type 2.

• Antibody Test: This tests the blood for the presence of specific antibodies (autoantibodies) that are seen in Type 1 diabetes. These are not seen in Type 2.
• C-peptide Test: C-peptide is another substance that our body produces when it makes insulin. Low levels of this substance mean that there is not enough insulin being produced. C-peptide levels are low in LADA, but in Type 2, they can be normal or high.

How is it treated?

If you are diagnosed with LADA, the main goal of treatment is to control your blood sugar levels and slow the disease from getting worse.

In the early stages, insulin injections may not be necessary. The disease can be controlled with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and possibly diabetes medications (e.g., `Metformin`, `Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)`).

However, as the pancreas becomes less efficient over time, insulin therapy may be necessary. You should discuss with your doctor what treatment plan is best for you.

Lifestyle changes

• If you smoke, stop.
• If overweight, lose weight.
• Exercising for at least 150 minutes a week (but it is essential to talk to your doctor before starting to exercise and get advice on how to control your blood sugar levels while exercising).
• Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about a diabetes-friendly diet plan.

What complications can occur if left uncontrolled?

Like any diabetes condition, LADA can lead to serious long-term complications if not properly controlled. But remember, keeping your blood sugar levels well controlled can greatly reduce the risk of these complications.

• Eye problems (e.g. glaucoma)
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke
• Nerve damage
• Foot injuries and infections

Diabetes, Adult-onset Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, LADA, Insulin, Blood Sugar, Diabetes Symptoms