Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults: a case report

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is an autoimmune endocrine disorder in which despite the presence of antipancreatic islets antibodies in the moment of diagnostics, the progression to beta-cell secretory insufficiency is slow. It is often confused with others types of diabetes and therefore the management is frequently inadequate. We report a clinical case of a 23-year-old man with diagnosis of type 2 diabetes since 6 months ago, poorly controlled with a sulfonylurea, who initially presented 2 months ago from polyuria, polydipsia, and asthenia and 6 kg weight loss. History of past illness was negative, however, his mother relates exclusive breastfeeding during the first 15 days of life and later (until the 6 months) he was fed with infant formula (S-26). Family history revealed a first-degree relative (father) with diabetes mellitus secondary to steroid administration due to diagnosis of bone marrow hypoplasia. Also presents second-degree family history (uncle and grandfather) of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There were no pathologic findings at the physical examination. Anthropometry and laboratory tests were as follows: body mass index (BMI) = 19.66 kg/m, basal and postprandial glycemia = 108, and 276 mg/dL respectively, glycated haemoglobin = 8.9%, basal and postprandial C-peptide (2 hours) = 1.9, and 3.2 ng/mL, homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function: 87.5%, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance: 1.6. LADA presumptive diagnosis was confirmed with presence of autoantibodies anti-tyrosin-phosphatase and GAD65. At the time of diagnosis, individuals with LADA present an onset age <50, BMI <25 kg/m2, low magnitude postprandial and basal hyperglycemia, normal or close to normal C-peptide values, and thus not occur with acute hyperglycemic crises. Insulin therapy preserves pancreatic b-cell function, at the point that eventually prescribed insulin doses need to be reduced.