Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT3577

Introduction: Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) constitutes the most prevalent form of autoimmune diabetes in adults. Its estimated prevalence ranges from 2% to 12%, although this figure can vary depending on demographics (higher in Northern Europe and China) and the diagnostic criteria used, as these are not yet definitively established. Patients with LADA exhibit an intermediate range of characteristics between type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) diabetes. In metabolic syndrome, they have a frequency similar to or higher than DM1, but lower than DM2 (with lower dyslipidemia, insulin resistance index, and better blood pressure control). At the onset, they have a lower risk of microvascular complications compared to DM2 patients. However, this risk progressively increases as the glycemic profile worsens. Regarding the lipid profile, there are no detailed descriptions or specific recommendations for managing dyslipidemia in this type of diabetes. However, in general, for diabetic patients with dyslipidemia, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends initiating treatment with moderate or high-potency statins, as well as interventions targeting lifestyle habits.

Material and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the lipid profile and the presence of micro and macrovascular complications in patients with LADA diabetes. A sample of 42 patients, aged between 26 and 77 years (mean age 50.9 years), with 42.8% being male, was evaluated between 2022 and 2024 in the Endocrinology Department of the Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Spain. 92.8% of patients had the mentioned parameters assessed in 2024, while the rest were evaluated in 2023.

Results: A retrospective evaluation was conducted for the following: total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, use of lipid-lowering treatment, percentage of LDL target achievement (according to the SCORE2 guideline), presence of microalbuminuria, use of ACE inhibitors/Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and the presence of micro and macrovascular complications (acute myocardial infarction, diabetic retinopathy, or diabetic neuropathy).

• Total cholesterol: 177.95 mg/dL

• LDL cholesterol: 98.05 mg/dL

• HDL cholesterol: 59.15 mg/dL

• Triglycerides: 99.5 mg/dL

• Average values of variables:

• Micro/macrovascular complications: 14.28%

• Positive microalbuminuria: 7.14%

• Percentage of patients reaching LDL target: 31.70%

• Treatment with ACE inhibitors/ARBs: 26.19%

Conclusion: Given the importance of cardiovascular risk factors and the presence of micro and macrovascular complications, larger and more specific studies are necessary to assess the lipid profile, its management, and the prevalence of complications in patients with LADA diabetes.