• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Could I be LADA?

Thanks. Is GAD the same as Hb1Ac?
 
No. The GAD antibodies test can be used to tell whether your immune system is attacking and destroying your own insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. The presence of these antibodies suggests type 1 or 1.5 rather than type 2. But only a doctor with access to your medical history, family history and test results should diagnose you.

HBA1C just measures how much sugar has stuck to the red blood cells in the previous 8-12 weeks. The more that has stuck the higher the blood glucose has been. HBA1C will not tell you what type of diabetes you have just how high your levels have been.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/hba1c-test.html

Please have a look at the links I posted previously, particularly the practical diabetes one which has a interesting case study on the first page.
 

Thanks for reply and info seacrow, if only! I've moved (thru work) and changed doctors and consultant 4 times in the 10 years since diagnosis, only found a GP diabetes specialist last year who did the GAD test, previous GPs / Consultants refused or said the test was unnecessary. Also asked for a pump 4 years ago but was told (without any tests) that I wasn't eligible. This GP has now left the practice so I'm back to square 1. Seeing a new Consultant tomorrow, but of course it's too late correct the wrong early treatment (that didn't work!) My experience is that only 2 years with each doctor, with reviews only every 6 months, isn't compatible with diabetes treatment but I had no choice. NHS treatment of diabetes overall is not really acceptable, but I guess there is no money for improvements.
 
I am wondering if I may have LADA. I have persistent problems trying to get my blood glucose down. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with an HB1ac of 122. Because I am middle aged and fat I was told I was a type 2 and given metformin. The metformin took the blood glucose down, but again, its been a real struggle to get it below 60.

Before I was diagnosed, I lost a shed load of weight (about 4 stone) because I was packing a lot of weight at the time, everyone just said 'how wonderful! you have lost weight!'

I am now on Glicazide and Sitagliptin and its a real struggle to get my blood sugar below 9. I have put on about a stone from my lowest weight.

Should I be asking for the GAD test?

Would appreciate some advice.

Regards,

P
 
Thanks for a your replies, and sharing your stories. Been a while... Gad test was positive so now diagnosed Lada and new over-active thyroid!! Think I am very fortunate as meds now reduced and still respond well to metformin and gliclazide... anyone else had night hypos though? Feeling positive and very grateful my docs are so supportive and knowledgeable! If yours aren't then I encourage you to change...
 
I don't know about LADA but just had to congratulate you on the brilliant weight loss. MAGIC!!!
 
SueJB said:
I don't know about LADA but just had to congratulate you on the brilliant weight loss. MAGIC!!!
Click to expand...
Hi Sue

Very kind of you but really the weight loss had nothing to do with me. I was eating loads and still losing weight. The weightloss stopped when I started taking medication to try and control my blood sugar. This is why I am wondering if I may be LADA.

P
 
I think the antibody blood tests are expensive which is why GPs don't order them routinely. In your case I think it is worth asking why they are sure you are type 2 and how you would go about confirming that? What is your HBa1C these days?
 
Circuspony said:
I think the antibody blood tests are expensive which is why GPs don't order them routinely. In your case I think it is worth asking why they are sure you are type 2 and how you would go about confirming that? What is your HBa1C these days?
Click to expand...
Hello @Circuspony - my HB1ac was 58 in December. I am due for my next set of tests, but I am not hopeful that it is going to go any lower.

P
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…