A significant proportion of young adults diagnosed with early-onset T2DM actually exhibit autoimmune-mediated beta-cell dysfunction. A study published in the Journal of Diabetology reported GADA positivity in 32.2% of this population, indicating LADA.

This cross-sectional analysis assessed 180 adults aged 25–40 years in South India. Clinical and biochemical evaluation included fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, C-peptide, and GADA levels, along with anthropometric measurements. A GADA value of ≥1.00 U/mL defined autoimmune positivity.

Individuals with LADA had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) within the normal range, while those classified with T2DM were predominantly overweight or obese (P < 0.01). LADA cases also had higher FBG and reduced insulin and C-peptide concentrations, which indicates greater beta-cell dysfunction (all P < 0.01).

Logistic regression identified three independent predictors of LADA: lower BMI (odds ratio [OR] 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–0.92), higher FBG (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04–1.20), and lower C-peptide levels (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24–0.58).

Routine autoimmune assessment in young-onset diabetes may improve diagnostic precision and support earlier intervention strategies based on underlying pathophysiology.