New review summarizes current knowledge on LADA and type 2 diabetes
The review article, which summarizes the knowledge on the role of environmental and genetic factors for the development of LADA, was recently published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Physiology. Author Sofia Carlsson, principal investigator in the ESTRID study, clarifies the similarities and differences between LADA and type 2 diabetes but also points at the similarities between LADA and type 1 diabetes.
It is clear that there are genetic similarities between LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults) and type 1 diabetes. Both are characterized by genetic variants contributing to autoimmune processes, promoting the destruction of insulin producing cells resulting in insulin deficiency. However, LADA also shares lifestyle risk factors with type 2 diabetes, such as physical inactivity, smoking and overweight.
Despite an increased awareness about the diversity in diabetes, knowledge on the causes and development of different variants of diabetes is limited. Above all, more research on lifestyle factors in relation to the risk of LADA is much needed. Today, it is primarily the ESTRID study and the Norwegian HUNT study can provide new insights on this, since these two studies include information on lifestyle before diagnosis. However, further studies are needed in order to achieve more solid results.
In order to more efficiently prevent and treat LADA, an understanding of how complex mechanisms, including both genetic and environmental factors, can lead to the development of the disease is required. This is important research for the future.
Read the full article here: Etiology and Pathogenesis of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) Compared to Type 2 Diabetes