The use of low doses of long-acting insulin as an effective therapy in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults — cases report

Abstract

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is an autoimmune disorder due to the presence of anti­-islet antibodies with slow progression to complete beta-cell secretory insufficiency. Clinical trials proved that the insulin treated patients with LADA maintain better beta-cell function. However the optimal insulin therapy has not been established. We report three clinical cases of LADA. The treatment in those cases have been based on small doses (< 0.15 IU/kg) long­-acting insulin injections once daily for 3 to 6 years with good metabolic and clinical control. It might be a good alternative for optimal management in LADA patients which maintains long clinical remission as a manifestation of beta-cell protection, but further studies exploring the best treatment in patients with LADA are needed.