Adult-onset autoimmune diabetes in 2020: An update

Abstract

An increasing number of new cases of autoimmune diabetes occur during adulthood. Most are cases of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), a form of autoimmune diabetes with older mean age at onset, slower rate of beta-cell loss and longer period of insulin independence after onset when compared with type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, patients with LADA are often misdiagnosed as having type 2 diabetes, the most frequent form of adult-onset diabetes, and show a sustained poor glycemic control over time. Recent evidence shows that this translates into a significantly increased risk of complications. Therefore, an enhanced awareness of LADA is essential. In this narrative review we aim to provide an update on knowledge about LADA pathophysiology and clinical implications by critically reporting the most recent evidence.

Keywords: Autoimmune diabetes; LADA; Type 1 diabetes.