What is type 1.5 diabetes? It’s sometimes misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.

[C C]

What is type 1.5 diabetes? It’s a bit like type 1 and a bit like type 2 – but it’s often misdiagnosed
https://theconversation.com/what-is-type...sed-237041

EXCERPTS: While you’re likely familiar with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, you’ve probably heard less about type 1.5 diabetes. Also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), type 1.5 diabetes has features of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

More people became aware of this condition after Lance Bass, best known for his role in the iconic American pop band NSYNC, recently revealed he has it. So, what is type 1.5 diabetes? And how is it diagnosed and treated?

Diabetes mellitus is a group of conditions that arise when the levels of glucose (sugar) in our blood are higher than normal. There are actually more than ten types of diabetes, but the most common are type 1 and type 2.

[...] Like type 1 diabetes, type 1.5 occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreas cells that make insulin. But people with type 1.5 often don’t need insulin immediately because their condition develops more slowly. Most people with type 1.5 diabetes will need to use insulin within five years of diagnosis, while those with type 1 typically require it from diagnosis.

[...] The symptoms of type 1.5 diabetes are highly variable between people. Some have no symptoms at all. But generally, people may experience the following symptoms:

• increased thirst
  
• frequent urination
  
• fatigue
  
• blurred vision
  
• unintentional weight loss.

Typically, type 1.5 diabetes is initially treated with oral medications to keep blood glucose levels in normal range. Depending on their glucose control and the medication they are using, people with type 1.5 diabetes may need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly throughout the day.

[...] Lance Bass said he was initially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but later learned he actually has type 1.5 diabetes. This is not entirely uncommon. Estimates suggest type 1.5 diabetes is misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes 5–10% of the time.

There are a few possible reasons for this... (MORE - missing details)

[Magical Realist]

It's coming up on around 5 years since I was diagnosed with Type 2. But I couldn't stand the fact that I had to take Metaformin and check my blood all the time. So the doctor and I agreed that we could just use diet to bring my A1C down. And it worked. I gave up sugar and white carbs and it came down. As of now I don't experience any of those symptoms of Type 1.5. So I guess I'm in the clear.....for now.