Slowly Progressive Type 1 Diabetes in the Elderly: About 3 Cases

Abstract

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is an autoimmune form of diabetes situated between classical type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). It typically affects older adults and progresses more slowly toward insulin dependence. We report three cases of elderly female patients presenting with inaugural diabetic ketosis revealing slowly progressive type 1 diabetes. These observations highlight the diagnostic challenges and clinical features of this still poorly understood entity in elderly patients.

Introduction Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) accounts for approximately 2 to 12% of diabetes diagnosed in adults [1, 2]. This autoimmune diabetes form is characterized by a later onset, temporary preservation of pancreatic beta-cell function, and a slower progression toward insulin dependence compared to classical T1D [3]. Clinically, LADA can be mistaken for T2D, complicating diagnosis and delaying appropriate management [4].

In elderly patients, this entity is even more difficult to recognize, as late-onset diabetes is often attributed to T2D despite the presence of autoimmunity [5]. We report three cases of elderly women presenting with inaugural diabetic ketosis, with positive anti-GAD antibodies confirming LADA diagnosis.

Citation

Gorgi K, Chaouche M. Slowly Progressive Type 1 Diabetes in the Elderly: About 3 Cases. WebLog J Endocrinol Diabetes. wjed.2026.a0809. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18223460