Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of the Adult (LADA) is a slowly progressive form of diabetes associated with autoantibody positivity. LADA shares characteristics with type 1 and 2 diabetes (T1D, T2D) but is often misdiagnosed as T2D. Epidemiologic data shows patients with LADA may account for 2 to 12% of all cases of diabetes.
The aim of the study was to collect information on prevalence of autoimmunity in patients with T2D and describe their characteristics in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
A cross- sectional study design was used to collect data in 140 patients. The frequency of GAD 65 antibody, ICA, Insulin and C-peptide levels was examined by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We collected data on height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and tested for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Glycosylated Hemoglobin levels. Data collected included age at diagnosis, family history and number of co-morbidities. Adults 18 years and above with T2D were included. Pregnant and lactating females were excluded. SPSS version 24 was used to analyze data.
Results obtained showed 13 (8 males and 5 females, p 0 .181) of the 132 patients tested were GAD 65 positive thus placing prevalence of LADA in NL at 9.7%. Baseline characteristics were similar in both GAD 65 positive and negative patients. None of the patients tested were positive for ICA antibodies thereby improving our confidence that the sample did not contain any patients with T1D. Prevalence of GAD 65 was higher in the patients requiring Insulin whereas the C-peptide levels were lower. BMI was high in both GAD 65 positive and negative group with data trending towards higher BMI in the GAD 65 positive group.
GAD 65 positivity was associated with older age group, higher BMI which is different from reported literature indicating that older age and obesity have a predictive value in diagnosis of T2D but not in LADA.
S.J. Iqbal: None.
