Accurate Diagnosis Brings Young Mom’s Diabetes Under Control

In her late twenties, while pregnant with her first child, doctors diagnosed Megan Metz with gestational diabetes. But after she gave birth, it didn’t resolve. She was then told she had type 2 diabetes.

Over the next several years she lost a significant amount of weight – more than one hundred pounds. “Even with all I was doing – losing weight, taking medication and insulin – I struggled to keep my numbers under control,” she said. “It was like everything you’re supposed to do wasn’t working to control my sugars.”

In September 2024, Megan went to see Brian Burtch, MD, an endocrinologist with University Hospitals.

“After reviewing Megan’s history of struggling with diabetes for 10 years, I was suspicious for late onset type 1 diabetes,” said Dr. Burtch.

This version of the disease is also referred to as late autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) or sometimes, type 1.5 diabetes. Symptoms of LADA usually develop more slowly than type 1 diabetes but more quickly than type 2 diabetes. It is typically diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 50. To diagnose the disease, doctors use a blood test that looks for antibodies that attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Dr. Burtch completed an antibody test that confirmed Megan did, in fact, have LADA.

“We have added mealtime insulin to her regimen and she has seen drastic improvements in her glycemic control,” he said. “She went from 25 percent of her sugars in target range to 40 percent in just two weeks.”

Megan spent 10 years trying to keep her sugars under control. Now, as a 37-year-old mom of two, she wears a continuous glucose monitor which shows that she is more on track than ever.

“I’m finally seeing my sugar levels where they’re supposed to be after meals,” she said. “It’s been great to get a correct diagnosis.”

Dr. Burtch says these diagnoses are quite common and he sees about one patient every month who is ultimately diagnosed with LADA.

He says there are several important takeaways from Megan’s story:

• Not all overweight patients with uncontrolled sugars automatically have type 2 diabetes.
• Patients are sometimes told to work harder on diet and exercise when uncontrolled sugars are not related to their lifestyle.
• If patients don’t rapidly respond to therapy shortly after diagnosis, healthcare providers should question the type of diabetes.
• Having the correct diagnosis leads to correct treatments.

Endocrinologists at University Hospitals offer a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis, management and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disease and pituitary and adrenal disorders. For more information or to schedule an appointment click here.