This course is Lesson 3 of a recently completed webinar entitled, "Diabetes through the Life Cycle." Successfully completing this lesson will earn 1.5 CEs. For accreditation information and presenter biographies, Click here.

Topics:

A. Type 1.5 diabetes: also known as “Slow Onset Type 1 Diabetes or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood –(LADA)”

I. Definition
II. Clinical Feature

- Adult age at diagnosis (over 25 yrs)
- Absence of obesity
- Absence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis
- Absence of metabolic syndrome
- Uncontrolled hyperglycemia despite use of oral meds
- Family history of type I diabetes or autoimmune diseases
- Initially controlled with meal planning with or without oral diabetes medications
- Insulin dependency gradually occurs, frequently within months
- Positive pancreatic auto-antibodies
- Low c-peptide levels
- Unlikely to have family history of type II diabetes

B. Screening for type 1.5 diabetes

I. Screen persons for clinical features described in Part A
II. Immune markers

• GAD antibodies
• C-peptide
• HLA typing
• Other antibodies (islet cell, thyroid)

III. Management of Type 1.5 diabetes

• Achieve good metabolic control
• Oral meds versus insulin
• Prevent chronic complications
• Case Studies

Behavioral/Learning Objectives:

1. List four clinical feature of type 1.5 diabetes.
2. Describe one immune marker for type 1.5 diabetes.
3. List two goals of managing type 1.5 diabetes.