Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults: increased awareness will aid diagnosis

Abstract

Latent autoimmune diabetes iln adults (LADA) is the term used for patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes who progress to insulin dependency as their pancreatic secretion of insulin fails. Diagnosis is based on adult age at the time of diabetes, the presence of serum autoantibodies to pancreatic antigens and the absence of a requirement for insulin at diagnosis. High titres of serum glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies act as a marker for LADA. Serum C-peptide concentrations are also lower in autoimmune diabetic patients. The best treatment for patients with LADA is not clear, but early insulin treatment may prevent pancreatic β-cell failure.