Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): Case Report

Abstract

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is an autoimmune disease that resembles both type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, but unlike the first, it has a slower progression of destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. LADA is an underdiagnosed disease often mistreated, which can lead to serious risks of complications. Thus, an early diagnosis is of great importance for a correct treatment and an improvement in the patient’s life quality. The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical case of a patient with LADA, especially about disease diagnosis and treatment. The patient of this study was a young adult, eutrophic (BMI of 22.7 kg/m²), firstly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus at the age of 38 years, but only at the age of 41 years LADA was confirmed. At the same period, it was show to have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. After the determination of a correct diagnosis and treatment, there was apparently improvement in the general clinical picture. Thus, it is expected that the present study demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis, correct management and treatment of the patient with LADA that ensure better quality of life and longer survival time.