When you think of diabetes, you probably only think of Type 1 and Type 2. Most people in our society know and talk about these two main types. But did you know that there are also types of diabetes that do not exactly belong to these two categories, that are a little different, and that we have not heard much about? MODY and LADA are two such rare, but very important types of diabetes to be aware of. These can have some of the characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2, but they have their own unique symptoms and treatments. Let's talk about this simply and in a friendly way today.
Let's first see what MODY is? (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young)
Simply put, MODY is a genetic condition that causes diabetes. Think of our body as a complex factory. This factory has different sets of instructions (genes) for different tasks. So, if there is a small change or error (we call this a gene mutation) in the set of instructions that make the hormone ``Insulin'', which helps the body use sugar to produce the energy it needs, the body cannot make insulin properly. Then the blood sugar level rises. MODY is such a condition.
As the name suggests (`Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young`), this condition often appears in young people, from their teens to young adulthood. However, it is very rare. Only about 5% of people with diabetes have MODY.
What are the symptoms of MODY?
The symptoms of MODY can vary from person to person because the nature of the symptoms varies depending on the gene mutation that affects it.
But generally speaking, the symptoms of MODY are very mild and develop slowly. That's why many people only find out they have the condition when a blood test for another reason shows high blood sugar levels.
But if symptoms do appear, they may be similar to other types of diabetes.
| Common symptoms |
|---|
| Feeling more thirsty than usual. |
| Frequent need to urinate. |
| Blurred vision. |
| Frequent infections (especially skin and urinary tract). |
How does a doctor suspect that you have MODY?
Once your blood sugar level is confirmed to be high, there are several reasons why your doctor may suspect that you may have MODY.
- You were diagnosed with diabetes at a young age .
- Diabetes runs in several generations of your family (for example, your mother/father, as well as your grandmother/grandfather, also had diabetes).
- You do not have the typical symptoms of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (e.g., obesity, high blood pressure).
If your doctor suspects you have MODY for these reasons, he or she may suggest that you undergo a genetic test to confirm your MODY status. This is usually done by sending a blood or saliva sample to a laboratory.
So what is LADA? (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)
Okay, now you have a good understanding of MODY. Now let's look at this other type called LADA. Some people jokingly call it "Type 1.5 diabetes." There's a reason for that.
Like Type 1 diabetes, LADA is caused by an autoimmune problem . Simply put, our body's defense system (immune system) mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in our own pancreas. It's like an army defending a country mistakenly attacking its own city.
When the cells that make insulin are destroyed in this way, the body is unable to control blood sugar levels. However, the main difference here compared to Type 1 diabetes is that this destruction occurs very slowly. So it can take months, or even years, before symptoms appear and treatment is needed.
What are the symptoms of LADA?
The symptoms of LADA are very similar to those of Type 1 and Type 2. However, they appear gradually.
| Common symptoms |
|---|
| Feeling extremely thirsty and needing to urinate frequently. |
| Weight loss despite a good appetite. |
| Blurred vision. |
| Extreme fatigue and weakness in the body. |
| Dry and itchy skin. |
| Feeling a tingling sensation in the limbs. |
| Frequent infections. |
How is LADA diagnosed and treated?
LADA usually starts after the age of 30. This is why even doctors can sometimes mistake it for Type 2 diabetes. However, if your condition is not controlled with the usual medications for Type 2, your doctor may suspect LADA.
The only way to confirm whether you have LADA is with a blood test. This checks for antibodies in your blood that have been produced against the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. In addition, your doctor may also order a test to check your levels of a protein called C-peptide, which is a measure of how much insulin your body is producing.
When it comes to treatment, in the early stages, diabetes can be controlled with medications, diet, and lifestyle changes.
But remember, in LADA, the body gradually destroys the cells that make insulin, so at some point you will definitely need to take insulin shots to control your blood sugar.
Take-Home Message
- When we talk about diabetes, it's not always just Type 1 and Type 2. There are also types that we don't know much about, like MODY and LADA, but they are important.
- MODY is a genetic form of diabetes that occurs in young adults. Treatment depends on the gene that affects it.
- LADA is a type of diabetes that develops slowly in adulthood, similar to Type 1 diabetes. Over time, it will require insulin treatment.
- If you have diabetes, or someone in your family has it, and your symptoms or response to treatment seem "a little different," don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about these conditions, called MODY and LADA. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step to getting the right treatment.
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