What Is Type 1.5 Diabetes?

How does type 1.5 diabetes differ from other type of diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's own immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. As a result, the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin to control blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance-the body responds to insulin inefficiently and fails to keep blood sugar at a normal level. The vast majority of people with diabetes have type 2.

A person who shows attributes of both type 1 and type 2 is said to have type 1.5 diabetes. What initially appeared to be type 2 diabetes is actually slowly evolving type 1 diabetes. Type 1.5 diabetes also is called slow-onset type 1 or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). It is diagnosed through a blood test for antibodies. Diet, exercise and some oral medications may help keep the condition under control-but many type 1.5 patients require insulin within 10 years of diagnosis.