Type 1.5 diabetes is a non-official term that is sometimes used to refer to a form of type 1 diabetes known as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).
The term type 1.5 refers to the fact that the condition is a form of type 1 diabetes that can share some features that are more commonly associated with type 2 diabetes.
Type 1.5 diabetes is diagnosed during adulthood as are most cases of type 2 diabetes. Type 1.5 diabetes also has a slow onset, similar to type 2 diabetes.
However, type 1.5 diabetes is an autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes and will almost certainly require insulin therapy at some point in the future.
Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis as having type 2 diabetes is common.
Around 15-20% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may actually have Type 1.5 diabetes.
Medications designed to reduce insulin resistance do not work, as people with type 1.5 have little or no resistance to insulin.
Type 1.5 Medication
Oral medications may be effective at first, meaning misdiagnosis takes longer to establish.
Amongst those with type 1.5 diabetes, insulin is required on average within four years.
Type 1.5 Symptoms
People with type 1.5 diabetes often do not have standard type 2 diabetes symptoms, including metabolic syndrome indicators.
People with type 1.5 diabetes often have a lower risk of heart problems once blood sugar is controlled.
