Summary
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a relatively new type of diabetes with a clinical phenotype of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and an immunological milieu characterized by high titers of islet autoantibodies, resembling the immunological profile of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Herein, we report a case of a young male, diagnosed with LADA based on both clinical presentation and positive anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GAD-abs), which were normalized after combined treatment with a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4) (sitagliptin) and cholecalciferol.
Learning points
Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GAD-abs) titers in young patients being previously diagnosed as type 2 diabetes (T2D) may help establish the diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).
Sitagliptin administration in patients with LADA might prolong the insulin-free period.
Vitamin D administration in patients with LADA might have a protective effect on the progression of the disease.
Epitope-Restricted 65-Kilodalton Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies among New-Onset Sardinian Type 2 Diabetes Patients Define Phenotypes of Autoimmune Diabetes
