### Misdiagnosis of Diabetes in Adults It's not uncommon for adults to be misdiagnosed with the wrong type of diabetes. This can lead to years of incorrect treatment and emotional distress. Here's a story that illustrates this issue: In 2011, a woman was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) after experiencing symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and numbness in her hands and feet. Despite following her doctor's advice, her condition worsened, leading to rapid weight loss and blurred vision. It wasn't until she insisted on getting tested for type 1 diabetes (T1D) antibodies that she was correctly diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), a form of T1D. This misdiagnosis had severe consequences. She spent years on the wrong medication, which didn't address her actual condition. This is a common issue, especially among people of color, who are often misdiagnosed due to biases and outdated medical assumptions. Research shows that more than one-third of adults initially diagnosed with T2D may actually have T1D. This is particularly problematic for African Americans, as certain genetic variants can make standard tests less accurate for them. Misdiagnosis can lead to dangerous health outcomes, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition. It also causes emotional trauma, as patients feel confused, scared, and often distrustful of medical professionals. To avoid misdiagnosis, it's crucial to advocate for yourself. If you suspect you've been misdiagnosed, ask for antibody testing and seek a second opinion. Awareness and proper testing can help ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. ### Key Points - Misdiagnosis of diabetes is common, especially among adults and people of color. - Incorrect treatment can lead to severe health issues and emotional distress. - Advocacy and proper testing are essential for accurate diagnosis.