Randomized, controlled, parallel-group prospective study to investigate the clinical effectiveness of early insulin treatment in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults
2008

Early Insulin Treatment for Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

Sample size: 97 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sinead Brophy, Helen Davies, Stephen Bain, Jeffrey W. Stephens, Wei-yee Cheung, Kez Richards, Kathie Wareham, Charles Beaverstock, Janet Lloyd, Don Page, Meurig Williams, Ian Russell, Rhys Williams

Primary Institution: School of Medicine, Swansea University

Hypothesis

What is the best treatment for early latent autoimmune diabetes in adults?

Conclusion

Early insulin treatment may help maintain glycaemic control and natural insulin production in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes.

Supporting Evidence

  • LADA is a slowly progressing form of type 1 diabetes that can be mistaken for type 2 diabetes.
  • Insulin treatment has been suggested to help maintain normal blood sugar levels in LADA patients.
  • Oral medications may also be effective but could have limitations compared to insulin.

Takeaway

This study is trying to find out if giving insulin early helps people with a type of diabetes that develops slowly, called LADA.

Methodology

This is a multi-centre open parallel group prospective randomised trial comparing insulin treatment to oral medications in patients diagnosed with LADA.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to funding from a commercial company that produces insulin.

Limitations

The study may not be generalizable beyond the specific population and setting in Wales.

Participant Demographics

Participants are adults diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes, aged 18 and older.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6823-8-8

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