Being told “you have diabetes” is often only the beginning of the story. I talk with Dr. Christon Darden about her LADA diagnosis in her 30s — a kind of diabetes that blurs the line between type 1 and type 2. LADA, or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults, is sometimes called type 1.5 because of its mixed features. Many people get misdiagnosed at first, which is exactly what happened to Dr. Darden and me.

LADA develops more slowly than classic type 1 diabetes. While it’s autoimmune — meaning your body attacks its own insulin-producing cells — the decline is gradual. This often means that for months or even years, people maintain some insulin production, and may respond initially to oral medications. Because of that, LADA is frequently mistaken for type 2 diabetes.

But the similarities go deeper than appearance. People with LADA may share traits with both type 1 and type 2 — lower BMI, slower progression, and sometimes signs of insulin resistance. However, LADA tends to show autoantibodies (like GAD, IA-2) and a faster decline in C-peptide levels compared to type 2.

Diagnosing LADA often involves a deeper look: testing for autoantibodies, measuring C-peptide levels, and monitoring response to treatment. Because people with LADA still make some insulin initially, treatment can begin conservatively, but many progress to needing insulin therapy over time.

In my conversation with Dr. Darden, we talk about the emotional side of receiving a LADA diagnosis as an adult — how to navigate expectations, adjust treatment, and build support. We also dive into how she balances life as a surgical resident with diabetes, and how she stays ahead of changes in her glucose control.

If you or someone you know was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but isn’t responding as expected — or develops insulin dependence sooner than typical — this episode may shed light on what LADA is, how it’s different, and how to move forward.

Watch the full episode below or listen to the podcast above to hear Dr. Darden’s story, the science behind LADA, and how this diagnosis changed our approach to managing diabetes.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.