Understanding Diabetes: Types 1, 1.5 (LADA), and 2

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Oluwakemi Balogun (Kemi), MD — Medhaven Health

Last updated: September 2025

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). With over 37 million Americans living with diabetes, understanding its different types is essential for early detection, appropriate management, and prevention of complications.

Most people are familiar with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but there is another form often overlooked—Type 1.5, also known as LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). While all three types affect insulin function, they differ significantly in cause, onset, treatment, and long-term impact.

This article breaks down the key characteristics of each type and highlights how healthcare providers like MedHaven Health help patients manage their condition and improve quality of life.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the body either:

• Does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps glucose enter cells), or

• Cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia, which can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes, and other organs over time.

Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune and Insulin-Dependent

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This destruction leads to little or no insulin production, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

Who Gets It?

• Usually diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults.

• Can occur at any age, though early onset is more common.

• Accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes cases.

Causes

• Genetics: Family history plays a strong role.

• Autoimmune triggers: Viral infections or environmental factors may initiate the autoimmune response.

• No link to obesity or lifestyle factors, unlike Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

• Frequent urination (polyuria)

• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)

• Sudden weight loss

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Fruity-smelling breath (in diabetic ketoacidosis)

Diagnosis

• Blood sugar tests: Fasting plasma glucose, A1C

• Autoantibody tests: Detect antibodies attacking beta cells

• C-peptide test: Measures insulin production levels

Treatment

• Insulin injections or pump therapy

• Carbohydrate counting and meal planning

• Blood sugar monitoring (multiple times daily)

• Regular physical activity

With good management, individuals with Type 1 diabetes can live full, healthy lives.

Type 1.5 Diabetes (LADA): The Overlooked Middle Ground

What Is LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)?

LADA, or Type 1.5 diabetes, shares features of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Like Type 1, it is autoimmune in nature. But like Type 2, it develops gradually, usually after age 30. Many people with LADA are misdiagnosed as having Type 2, which delays proper treatment.

Who Gets It?

• Adults over 30, though can occur in younger adults

• Individuals who are not overweight and do not fit the typical Type 2 profile

• Makes up approximately 10% of adult-onset diabetes cases

Causes

• Autoimmune attack on pancreatic cells (like Type 1)

• Slower progression compared to classic Type 1 diabetes

• Genetic predisposition and environmental triggers

Symptoms

• Gradual onset of fatigue, increased urination, and thirst

• Difficulty controlling blood glucose with oral medications

• Unexpected weight loss over time

Diagnosis

• Often misdiagnosed as Type 2 at first

• Positive for autoantibodies (like GAD65, ICA)

• Reduced C-peptide levels (indicating low insulin production)

Treatment

• Initially managed with oral medications, but typically requires insulin therapy within 6 months to a few years

• Early insulin introduction may preserve remaining beta cell function

• Individualized treatment based on progression

Why It Matters

Misdiagnosis of LADA can lead to poor blood sugar control and faster beta cell burnout. Understanding LADA is critical for timely and effective treatment.

Type 2 Diabetes: Lifestyle-Linked and Progressive

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, characterized by:

• Insulin resistance (cells don’t respond properly to insulin)

• Gradual insulin production decline over time

It is strongly linked to lifestyle factors like obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity.

Who Gets It?

• Typically adults over 40

• Increasingly common in teens and young adults due to rising obesity rates

• Accounts for 90–95% of all diabetes cases

Causes

• Obesity and excess fat, especially around the abdomen

• Physical inactivity

• Genetics: Family history increases risk

• Metabolic syndrome: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance

Symptoms

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Frequent infections

• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

• Slow healing of wounds

• Increased hunger and thirst

Diagnosis

• Fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL

• A1C ≥6.5%

• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

Treatment

• Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, exercise, healthy diet

• Oral medications: Metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors

• Non-insulin injectables: GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Trulicity)

• Insulin (if other therapies fail or disease progresses)

Type 2 diabetes is progressive but often manageable with early and sustained intervention.

Key Differences Between the Types

---

Complications of Unmanaged Diabetes

Without proper control, all forms of diabetes can lead to serious complications:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Kidney failure (nephropathy)

• Nerve damage (neuropathy)

• Eye damage (retinopathy and blindness)

• Foot ulcers and amputation

• Cognitive decline and depression

Living Well with Diabetes

Regardless of type, diabetes management involves:

1. Blood Sugar Monitoring

Frequent checks allow timely intervention to avoid dangerous highs (hyperglycemia) or lows (hypoglycemia).

2. Healthy Eating

• Focus on low glycemic index foods, whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein.

• Limit processed sugars and saturated fats.

3. Physical Activity

• At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week improves insulin sensitivity and weight control.

4. Medication Adherence

• Taking prescribed medications or insulin consistently is key.

• Regular follow-ups with providers for adjustments.

5. Stress Management

• Chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels.

• Practice mindfulness, counseling, or therapy as needed.

The Role of MedHaven Health

At MedHaven Health, we provide:

• Accurate diagnosis of diabetes types, including LADA

• Customized treatment plans for Type 1, 1.5, and 2

• Patient education on lifestyle, nutrition, and medication

• Support for insulin therapy, CGMs, and new treatments like GLP-1 agonists

• Ongoing monitoring to prevent or manage complications

We partner with our patients to empower them in taking charge of their health and living well with diabetes.

Conclusion: Know Your Type, Take Control

Understanding the differences between Type 1, Type 1.5 (LADA), and Type 2 diabetes is critical for effective treatment. Each type has a unique cause, onset, and management strategy, but all share a common goal—keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range to prevent complications.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, struggling with management, or unsure of your diagnosis, MedHaven Health is here to help you every step of the way.