Atypical Diabetes and Management Considerations

Prim Care. 2022 Jun;49(2):225-237. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2021.11.003. Epub 2022 Apr 22.

Abstract

Type of diabetes is not always straightforward at presentation. Misdiagnosis is common in all age groups and diagnosis becomes evident over time. Patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults constitute up to 12% of all patients with diabetes, and they share immunogenetic and phenotypic features of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. They are commonly misdiagnosed as having type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in a delay in initiating insulin. Patients with ketosis-prone diabetes mellitus are often misdiagnosed as having type 1 diabetes mellitus. Correct diagnosis helps wean patients off of insulin and use noninsulin agents if needed.

Keywords: Atypical diabetes; Ketosis-prone diabetes mellitus (KPDM); Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Insulin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Insulin