Abstract
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is an autoimmune disease arising at adulthood. LADA is characterized by a less intensive autoimmune process, slower progression and a mild metabolic decompensation at onset compared with young-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus.
The onset of LADA is usually in non-obese patients over 30, without prominent features of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Nevertheless it may be falsely classified as type 2 diabetes, especially, when diagnosed in older age and for the possibility of non-insulin treatment for at least 6 months after diagnosis.
LADA is treated early with insulin and combined with metformin in patients with a higher level of insulin resistance. Clinical studies suggested also effectivity of other oral antidiabetics enabling preservation of residual β-cell function, such as particularly incretines.