Abstract

Abstract Introduction Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) is an adult-onset subtype of autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), that is often misdiagnosed as T2DM. We present a case of LADA that was diagnosed in a young female with PCOS (polycystic ovaries syndrome) previously unsuccessfully managed as a T2DM patient. Case report 20-years-old female with past medical history of hyperlipidemia, newly diagnosed PCOS and suspected T2DM, presented to the PCP office for a routine follow up. Patient medication regimen consisted of Metformin 500 mg BID, Spironolactone 50 mg daily and oral contraceptive. Her BMI was 27.1. Routine blood work resulted in A1C 12.6% (estimated average glucose of 306 mg/dL), total cholesterol 278 mg/dL, triglycerides 1216 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol 31 mg/dL. She was also found to be Vitamin D deficient (Vitamin D, 25-OH 9.8 ng/mL). Based on a very young age and unusually elevated A1C she was assessed for LADA and found to have glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD-65) titer greater than 28.9 IU/mL (normal 0 - 5. 0 IU/mL), C-peptide of 0.8 ng/mL (normal 0.8-3.5 ng/mL) and negative anti pancreatic islet cells antibody level. Based on those results, she was diagnosed with LADA and initiated on insulin therapy (long acting and short - acting mealtime insulin). Metformin and OCP were discontinued given very high cholesterol level, but she started on Fenofibrate 160 mg daily, Vitamin D supplements and continued with Spironolactone 50 mg daily. Within 3 months her HbA1c decreased to 6.9% and she is doing remarkably well with the new medication regimen. Discussion LADA shares similar genetic and autoimmune profiles with T1DM, however LADA insidious presentation overlaps with T2DM, often resulting in misdiagnosis and delaying diagnosis and adequate treatment. Insulin resistance appears to underlie many of the endocrine features of PCOS in most of the patients. The risk of T2DM among PCOS patients is 5- to 10-fold higher than normal, however there is no clear correlation established between PCOS and T1DM, including LADA. Our case warrants newly diagnosed young adults with diabetes should be screened for LADA if there are atypical findings (such as very young age, remarkably elevated A1C, close to normal BMI). Among the anti-islet antibodies, GAD-65 are the most sensitive self-antigen-antibody markers of autoimmune diabetes. Early insulin therapy preserves residual β-cell function, improves glycemic control, and reduces the risk of long-term complications. Presentation: No date and time listed

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