LADA Misdiagnosis & Implicit Bias in Healthcare

In a revealing turn of events, Phyllisa Deroze, who was previously diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, discovered eight years later that she actually had latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). This condition, which bears a closer resemblance to Type 1 diabetes, is frequently misdiagnosed as Type 2, leading to inappropriate treatment and management strategies. According to endocrinologist Jason Gaglia, such misdiagnoses may affect up to 10% of patients believed to be living with Type 2 diabetes.

The Unseen Bias in Healthcare

Alarmingly, Deroze’s experience is far from unique; a number of Black women have reported similar instances of initially being misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes when they actually had LADA. These frequent misdiagnoses raise serious concerns about implicit biases present in the healthcare system, particularly against African American patients.

Rochelle Naylor, a researcher specializing in atypical forms of diabetes, underlines that such biases can detrimentally impact patient care. This issue is further compounded by the fact that certain healthcare tools, such as diabetes management tests, may not provide accurate results for individuals with genetic traits prevalent among African Americans, like the sickle cell trait.

LADA: A Slow and Misleading Foe

Contributing to the confusion between LADA and Type 2 diabetes is the slow progression of LADA and the fact that it does not initially require insulin injections. The story of Mila Clarke, who runs a blog called ‘Hangry Woman’ to challenge diabetes stereotypes, paints a vivid picture of the intense struggle in securing a correct diagnosis. It took over four years and persistent self-advocacy for Clarke to be tested for Type 1 antibodies and finally be acknowledged as a LADA patient.

Combating Stigma: A Battle Within

Clarke’s experience underscores the pervasive stigma surrounding diabetes, including within the diabetes community itself. This not only affects the mental wellbeing of those living with the condition, but it also hinders their ability to receive appropriate care and support. The cases of Deroze and Clarke serve as stark reminders of the pressing need to address the implicit biases in healthcare and to ensure fair treatment for all, irrespective of race or ethnicity.