Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as latent auto-immune diabetes (LADA), is a distinct form of diabetes that has been medically recognized since 1993.
It accounts for 3-12 per cent of all cases of diabetes in adults and is often misdiagnosed, with some studies suggesting that up to 14 per cent of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may actually have LADA.
LADA shares similarities with type 1 and 2 diabetes, making it tricky to identify, but it is essential to recognize its characteristics to provide proper diagnosis and treatment.
LADA is a disorder of too much sugar, or glucose, in the blood, similar to type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Author's summary: Type 1.5 diabetes affects millions of adults worldwide.