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What is Type 1.5 Diabetes?
While many people are familiar with diabetes and know the difference between Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 (T2D), there may be less recognition surrounding Type 1.5 diabetes.
Type 1.5 was trending during the summer months when pop star Lance Bass revealed that he was recently diagnosed with it.
At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology (TD&E), our team of board-certified endocrinologists treat all forms of diabetes.
Here’s what you should know about the often misunderstood Type 1.5.
What is Type 1.5 diabetes?
Type 1.5 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, also known as latent autoimmune disease in adults (LADA). It shares some characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and typically develops later in adulthood.
Like T1D, with Type 1.5 there is a lack of insulin production, and like T2D, it occurs later in life, not during the early childhood years.
However unlike T2D, Type 1.5 it stems from an autoimmune reaction in beta cells that gradually weakens the pancreas and diminishes its ability to produce insulin.
Type 1.5 is thought to be triggered by previous damage done to the pancreas, from illness or infection, or from genetics and a family history of other autoimmune disorders.
What are symptoms of Type 1.5 diabetes?
Type 1.5 diabetes symptoms can be subtle at first, and they often mirror those of T2D, including:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Increased thirst or dehydration
- Blurred vision
Those diagnosed with Type 1.5 diabetes typically are not obese or overweight and are usually over 30 years of age.
How is Type 1.5 diabetes diagnosed?
Arriving at a Type 1.5 diagnosis may take some time, and your endocrinologist may order additional testing. A definitive diagnosis is usually reached via a combination of fasting glucose tests and other comprehensive blood screenings like antibody testing.
What is the treatment for Type 1.5 diabetes?
It is important to realize that a diagnosis of Type 1.5 diabetes is serious (but very manageable), and that if left untreated, your body could fall into a state of diabetic ketoacidosis, or a buildup of dangerous acids in the bloodstream due to a lack of insulin.
Type 1.5 can be treated with common diabetes medications like Metformin to start, but then supplemental insulin is often needed down the road. At TD&E, we offer the most current options for convenient insulin delivery, such as insulin pumps.
We also offer a variety of opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research trials that may enhance your traditional therapies. We will work with you to establish a personalized treatment plan that best suits your lifestyle so that you can live fully with as little interruption as possible to your daily routine while successfully managing your diabetes.
Contact Us to Help Manage your Diabetes, Osteoporosis and Thyroid Conditions
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services and other endocrinology therapies can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.
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