Diagnostic criteria of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA): a review and reflection

Abstract

Diabetes has become a major public health problem in China nowadays. There are almost 97 million diabetic patients nationwide. Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a subtype of autoimmune diabetes. Although it has been reported for about 20 years, the diagnostic criteria of this disease remain controversial. The discussion mainly focused on serum autoantibodies, period of insulin need and age of diagnosis. Besides, β cell function, metabolic parameters, genetic factors and cell immunity may also contribute to the formulation of the criteria. Here, we aim to review and discuss the diagnostic criteria of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.

Keywords

LADA / diagnostic criteria / autoantibodies / insulin independence / age of diagnosis

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 81170725, 81070672, and 81000316); the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (Grant No. EFSD/CDS/Lilly-2010); the Key Project of Science and Technology Department of Hunan Province of China (2010SK2007); Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (11JJ7005), the National Department Public Benefit (Health) Research Foundation of China (Grant No.201002002).

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