EXPLAINER: What is latent autoimmune diabetes?
Sam Milby recently revealed his battle with latent autoimmune diabetes, which he said came as a surprise to him because he considers himself an overall healthy person.
He gave the health update in an interview with ABS-CBN News, saying he was able to confirm his diagnosis after medical checkups with his endocrinologist and his two doctors in Singapore.
"It’s part of my life," he said, referring to his condition. "I have discipline naman sa pagkain, but it was a bit surprising kasi para sa akin, healthy naman akong tao."
This came over a year after he shared he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease.
Between Type 1 and Type 2
According to endocrinologist Mia Fojas, latent autoimmune disease for adults (LADA) is also known as Type 1.5 diabetes as it has the features of both Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is classified as an autoimmune condition that happens when antibodies attack insulin-producing cells in your pancreas, while Type 2 is a chronic condition that happens when your cells resist insulin or are unable to use it well.
"People with LADA tend to have a healthy weight, whereas being overweight is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes," Dr. Fojas told PhilSTAR L!fe.
The symptoms of LADA are quite similar to other forms of diabetes, which include excessive thirst and drinking, excessive urination, and often blurred vision. "Compared to juvenile Type 1 diabetes, symptoms develop slowly over at least six months," she added.
Prevention, management, treatment
Per the endocrinologist, those who have diabetes take oral medications, usually metformin, and have insulin when blood sugar levels start to rise.
Patients manage LADA through regular blood glucose monitoring, strict glycemic control to prevent microvascular and macrovascular complications, and screening for other autoimmune conditions.
"There isn't a definite, agreed-upon way of managing LADA yet, though patients tend to need insulin much quicker than those with Type 2 diabetes," she added.
How can you reduce your risk of getting it? Dr. Fojas suggested making time for physical activity, avoiding smoking, consuming alcohol moderately, following a strict diet, and limiting intake of sweetened beverages.
"The largest risk reduction comes from maintaining a healthy weight," she said.