Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is a slow progressive form of Type 1 Diabetes.

* autoimmune destruction of pancreatic B-islet cells leading to an absolute insuloin deficiency within 2-6 years.
* Distinguished from Type 2 DM by presence of Islet autoantibodies especially to Glutamic Acid Decraboxylase (GAD)

TYPE 2 DM:

* progressive deterioration in glucose tolerance caused by insullin sensitivity and insulin secretion defects.
* Risk factors are: Obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance; a strong family history is also a risk factor.

TYPE 1 DM:

* absolute deficiency in Insulin secretion, and usually arises in children aged 15 years or younger.
* 13% of all diabetes in Australia
* Specific autoimmune destruction of insulin producing B-cell in pancreas leading to a dependency in insulin replacement.
* Serological markers for this autoimmune process include: Islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ICA), autoantibodies to to GAD and insulin or to the tyrosine phosphate IA2.

Patients with LADA:

* more likely to be symptomatic
* poor glycemic control
* existence of other autoantibodies (GAD)
* present clinically as osmeone with Type 2 DM, do not require insulin immediately after diagnosis and may be overweight.
* UKPDS 1997: one in 10 adults aged 25-65 years with Presumed Type 2 DM actually had GAD antibodies.