I've never heard of...

[matt_walker]

Okay, so I have type 1. I know what type 2 is. What on Earth is this 'type 1.5?' I've never heard of it, or know anyone who has it!

Could someone elaborate just for me? Thanks a lot. :D

[Scratch]

Basically, it's a variation of type 1 diabetes (destruction of the beta cells by an autoimmune attack) that most often occurs later in life and is slower in progression. This frequently means that many with 1.5 or LADA may be misdiagnosed as type 2, because the pancreas is still producing some insulin with little insulin resistance.

See the following for more detail: Diabetes Types, Type 1.5, Slow Onset Type 1 and LADA. (http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_types/diabetes_type_15.php)

[Isometric]

Is this a term that's recognized by the medical establishment? What I mean is, if I ask my endocrinologist about it, will he give me a funny look or take me serious?

I'm curious because I'm less than 5 years post type 2 diagnosis, and I'm already at the point where oral meds weren't doing enough. The first nutritionist/diabetes educator that I saw after my dx seemed very skeptical that I was actually a type 2, but I had chalked that up to a latent misconception about how early people can get "adult onset" diabetes. Any thoughts?

[JediSkipdogg]

Type 1 and Type 2 are nationally recognized and certified types by both the ADA (American Diabetes Association) and the IDF (International Diabetes Federation.) I do not think type 1.5 is picked up by either of those organizations yet.

So some doctors may look at you puzzled and some won't. Personally, type 1.5 is nothing since as far as all research tells it's the same as type 1, but takes longer to fully occur and that is believed to happen due to people having a stronger immune system at the later ages.

[caswellhb]

My doc is fine with the term 1.5. I'm not sure about other docs but I have never encountered a problem with it.

Heather.

[lilituc]

LADA is definitely used, so an endocrinologist should know what that means.

[markr]

When I was diagnosed back in 1981 as a Type 1 at the age of 31, I used to joke with my doctors and health professionals that I was a Type 1.5 I guess it really wasn't a joke after all. They put me streight on insulin, and the rest is history. That's what I got for living in Minnesota at the time. :D

Mark

[Emm]

LADA is definitely used, so an endocrinologist should know what that means.

What lili said :D
They may be a little confuzzled about 1.5 - because in some places it actually has different meanings. It's not an official name so it's open to interpretation I guess. Stick with LADA, an Endo should know what that is. (I HOPE!)

[Isometric]

So would a 1.5 or LADA case get results from type 2 drugs like metformin and glipizide for a few years, or does it hit like type 1, just later in life than normally thought?

[lilituc]

So would a 1.5 or LADA case get results from type 2 drugs like metformin and glipizide for a few years, or does it hit like type 1, just later in life than normally thought?

Sulfonylureas might work for awhile because they cause the beta cells to release more insulin, but some think they burn out the beta cells faster. I took Starlix and it was somewhat effective for awhile (it does the same thing.) Metformin is used to combat insulin resistance so that part wouldn't help, and overproduction of glucose by the liver, but that usually happens later in the progression of diabetes. They generally only give metformin to Type 1s with a lot of insulin resistance.

The reason the medications might appear to be working is because with LADA it takes a long time for all the beta cells to be destroyed. So with some natural insulin production, it's easier to control. I went for more than a year without taking insulin, for example. Many people with LADA are misdiagnosed due to their age and put on medications that don't do anything, but it can be a long time (sometimes several years) before their diabetes progresses enough to make it obvious something else needs to be done. Also, many doctors seem to have less strict bg targets for people with Type 2 so they may think the meds are working "enough."

Like many LADAs, I ended up on an extremely low carb diet trying futilely to control my rising bg before I finally found an endo with a clue. There's not too much data, but maybe that's one sign someone isn't Type 2...when ultra low carb diets don't help.

My current and previous endo both think that the way to go is insulin as soon as possible for those with LADA. With the half unit syringes or diluted Humalog, it's possible to take small doses.

[Cyborg]

Low carb eating and a basal insulin like Lantus can prolong the honeymoon period. But, all honeymoons come to an end eventually...

[Maddogg]

But, all honeymoons come to an end eventually...

So true! it's boring that honeymoons have to come to an end; and i'm not talking medical terminology here! I'm not married by the way. :D ye!