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Many Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes may have a Different Form of the Disease

Larry Greenblatt, MD


In a recent article from KFF Health News, we learn about a common problem in the diagnosis of diabetes. Many people like Phyllisa Deroze are initially told they have Type 2 diabetes, which is more typical in older adults. However, Deroze and others eventually discover they actually have a different form of the disease called latent autoimmune diabetes of adults, or LADA. This condition can often be mistaken for Type 2 diabetes, but it's really more similar to Type 1, which is an autoimmune disorder. Unfortunately, this misdiagnosis can delay the right treatment and make managing the disease much harder.

The article highlights that up to 10% of people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes might actually have LADA. Diagnosing LADA correctly is crucial because it requires different management, including possibly insulin injections, unlike the typical treatments for Type 2 diabetes. Several patients, particularly Black women, shared their struggles of being misdiagnosed and feeling their concerns were not adequately addressed, possibly due to racial biases within the healthcare system. Clues that a person might have LADA rather than Type 2 diabetes include family history of LADA or Type 1 diabetes, leaner body shape, and lack of other conditions that are commonly seen with Type 2 diabetes such as low HDL cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Experts suggest that implicit biases may affect how doctors diagnose and treat their patients. This can be particularly problematic for minority groups, who often face stereotypes related to health conditions. For instance, common misconceptions about race, weight, and age can lead to incorrect assumptions and diagnoses in healthcare, which can have serious consequences for the treatment of conditions like LADA.

The story of Mila Clarke, another woman initially misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, illustrates these challenges. After years of struggling to manage her diabetes with diet and oral medications, an endocrinologist finally tested her for Type 1 diabetes antibodies, confirming her actual condition was LADA. This revelation allowed her to get the appropriate treatment and inspired her to advocate for better understanding and treatment of diabetes through her blog, "Hangry Woman."

Clarke's experience underscores the importance of accurate testing and open-mindedness in medical treatment. It also shows the significant impact of having supportive healthcare providers who listen to and validate patients' concerns. After getting the right diagnosis, Clarke received the tools she needed, like continuous glucose monitors and insulin injections, which dramatically improved her quality of life.

Overall, the article serves as an important reminder of the need for awareness and careful diagnosis in diabetes treatment. It encourages healthcare professionals to consider all possibilities and listen to their patients to avoid potentially harmful assumptions. For patients, it's a call to advocate for themselves and ensure they receive the proper care and respect they deserve.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/diabetes/diagnosed-type-2-diabetes-may-different-form-disease-rcna132571