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Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults, or LADA for short, is a relatively rare form of diabetes.often called type 1.5 diabetes.
Because so many people have diabetes, it can be misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Does not require insulin therapy within a short period of time after diagnosis. Additionally, it is not diagnosed until adulthood.
We spoke to Billy Rigby, a 41-year-old Pennsylvania resident who has officially been living with LADA diabetes for the past two years. In 2018, he was told he had type 2 diabetes.
This form of diabetes shares characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 2 to 12 percent of all cases diabetic Ladamany of whom are initially misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
See below for more information. LADA Diabetes (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults).
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What circumstances led to your initial diagnosis of Type 2?
Rigby was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2018. He remembers the moment:
“Emotionally, I was devastated. I was confused and hurt at first. I felt like I was doing everything right, losing weight, eating right, and being very active. At first I blamed myself and , I thought, what went wrong? What did I do to make this happen?”
He continues:
“After speaking with the medical team, we found out it was just a genetic factor, but unfortunately it wasn't something I did. People say it's genetics or bad luck, but it's just my fault. It wasn't my fault. I ended up losing my job because I couldn't do it physically. I lost all the muscle and fat from my body and couldn't work anymore. It was definitely difficult at first.”
Did you have any warning signs that something was wrong?
Rigby said she had been living with her type 2 diabetes diagnosis for about four years before she realized something was wrong.
“There were a lot of signs that something was wrong, but I didn't know they were signs at first. I was so active that summer that I thought I was just losing weight. That's what I was afraid of.”
“I thought there was something wrong with me because I kept urinating and feeling thirsty. Then I started craving milk. I don't usually drink milk, but this summer it tastes so good. Now I can drink it.”
he says,
“Towards the end of the summer of 2022, I started to worry about my weight loss. I was also having problems physically. What used to be an easy fix is now starting to cause problems. I was getting tired just standing there. I made an appointment with my PCP, but I ended up in the ICU before I could see her.”
“My vision was blurry and I was very sick. I couldn't hold down Gatorade or water. My blood sugar level at the time of admission was 792 mg/dL. Everything was blurry and I didn't remember much except that the lights were very bright. Is not.”
He continues:
“I woke up a day and a half later. I was told I was in DKA. [diabetic ketoacidosis] And, I [had LADA]. I had no idea where I was. The last thing I remember was driving to my next job site in Ohio. ”
How did you realize you had been misdiagnosed?
As time passed between his ICU visits, Rigby's blood sugar levels could no longer be managed with diet and exercise alone. he says,
“Waking up in an out-of-state ICU was exactly how I discovered it. We had genetic testing and it was officially announced. My insulin-producing cells were slowly destroyed by my immune system. I was excluded and I became LADA.”
In addition to adding insulin injections to his daily routine, as a LADA patient he has had to become more rigorous in counting carbohydrates and measuring what he eats.
Rigby says it was a big adjustment.
What challenges have you encountered in the healthcare system?
Rigby says navigating the health care system has been tough.
“There were far more challenges than I imagined. From getting the insulin pump and insulin on time to certain things not being covered in time. Sometimes I went a day or two without using it.
He continues:
“Living with LADA and all the medications and devices is much more difficult than living with type 2 diabetes, which I was managing with diet and exercise alone.”
Are there any differences in management or treatment after receiving the correct diagnosis?
Rigby says,
“I'm more conscious of the food I'm eating than when I was diagnosed with type 2. I count more carbs, do certain exercises, and waste my insulin on nothing. I've become more particular about what I'm willing to pay attention to.'' So sometimes ice cream isn't worth it (but sometimes it is!). ”
What would you recommend to others who think they may have been similarly misdiagnosed?
Rigby says if you feel something is wrong, you need to empower yourself.
“Contact your doctor and let them know that you feel there may be other issues. My PCP (she's a wonderful person, I love her) tells me that you have LADA. She didn't know about genetic tests that could tell whether she was pregnant or not. Now she knows, but that wasn't in her wheelhouse at the time.”
He continues:
“They say there are only two ways to know if you have LADA: do a genetic blood test or, unfortunately, like in my case, if you have a medical emergency. You know your body and can tell when things are changing. By the time you notice and make an appointment, it's too late.”
Do you have any advice for healthcare professionals?
Rigby says,
“Look at the new research that's coming out now. If you have diabetes, it's in everyone's best interest to know what helps them achieve the best quality of care.”
“And just be understanding. My medical team has gone above and beyond to understand what I'm going through and to show empathy and care.” But be aware that patients in their 30s and 40s may actually have LADA.”
Finally he says:
“Once diagnosed [with] Radha, your life will change, but it will not end there. you can do this. This isn't easy, but it can be done. We all feel scared when we receive a diagnosis. There are resources and a great online community out there for you. We know what you are going through. We were there once and we are still there. you are not alone! ”
final thoughts
Billy Rigby's journey with LADA highlights an important aspect of diabetes care: the importance of accurate diagnosis. Misdiagnosis can lead to years of inappropriate treatment and unnecessary complications.
His story underscores the value of self-advocacy for those struggling with symptoms that are unexplained by current diagnoses. If you feel that something is not right, it is important to seek further evaluation.
With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, people with all types of diabetes can live fulfilling lives, despite initial challenges.
Diabetes Strong has strict attribution and citation guidelines outlined in our Editorial Policy. We use only reliable sources of information, including peer-reviewed research, medical associations, government agencies, academic research institutions, board-certified medical professionals, and experienced patients.
- Subclinical autoimmune diabetes. National Institutes of Health. 2022.
- A case of delayed diagnosis of subclinical autoimmune diabetes in an adult. Creus. 2022.
- Management of subclinical autoimmune diabetes in adults: Consensus statement from an international expert panel. Diabetes. 2020.
