Can Your Own Body Cells Destroy You In Diabetes

Posted on November 19, 2009 in Diabetes Information

The term Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is coined by Tuomi et al in 1993. It is estimated that in US, 5%-10% of diabetes population are (3.5 millions) suffering from LADA. Onset of LADA is usually at 25 years or older. Family history of type 2 diabetes is not found. LADA persons are less insulin resistant than Type 2. HLA genes associated with Type 1 Diabetes are found in LADA.

The beta-cells are found in the Islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. These cells produce and secrete a hormone called Insulin. This hormone helps in regulation of the blood sugar level in the body. Many experts use LADA to define Type 1 Diabetes. According to them, Type 1 Diabetes results from a destruction procedure of beta-cells by own body cells. The rate of beta-cell destruction varies in person suffering from Type 1 Diabetes. It may be rapid in infants and children but slow in adults. LADA is a hereditary disorder. The own body cells consider the pancreas as a foreign object. So they attack the pancreas and destroy the beta (islet) cells. Thus, called as a Autoimmune Disorder. In short called as “allergy to self.”

Adults with LADA are frequently misdiagnosed to have Type 2 diabetes. It is also named as Type 1.5 Diabetes. Diagnosis Of LADA includes Tests of:

C-peptide-

The ‘C’ here stands for Insulin C-peptide or Connecting peptide. In this test the beta cell functioning is studied by measuring the level of insulin (C-Peptide) secretion. Persons with LADA have low levels of C-peptide. Patients with type 2 diabetes have high levels of C-peptide due to increase in the production of insulin.

Diabetes Mellitus Autoantibody Panel-

Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies are found in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. The presence of these antibodies can be predicted by Microplate ELISA. Anti-GAD, Anti-GAD/IA2, Anti-IA2 Pool are the Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies.

Persons with LADA test positive for Islet Cell Antibodies (ICA) tests. These antibodies are produced only when the Beta islet cells are attacked. This occurs only in Type 1 Diabetes.

Insulin Antibodies (IAA) tests positive for Type 1 Diabetes but rarely for Type 2. It is a good process of diagnosis for Gestational Diabetes. This test is performed by the process of RadioImmuno Assay (RIA).

Treatment:

when LADA is detected in its early stage, it can be managed with change in lifestyle. It does not require Insulin. But many clinicians also believe usage of insulin can also cure it. Though the benefit of early insulin intake in LADA is yet to be proved. But generally the person is prescribed oral medication. Since the Beta cells are destroyed very easily, so a constant monitoring on the patient is required. If the person does not seem to respond to oral medication, then insulin may be injected.

LADA persons are prone to depression and eating disorders due to their chronic illness. So counselling and other psychological therapies will be a great help.

Patient should be educated on his diet, exercise, daily habits, hygiene. Patient’s education, motivation, and mental health play an important role in managing LADA.

Comments

One Response to “Can Your Own Body Cells Destroy You In Diabetes”

  1. Lynna Keefe Says:
    January 28th, 2010 at 8:27 am

    I kind of disagree, but I do see your point.

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