I was originally diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes on Dec. 29, 2008, and Congestive Heart Failure on December 30, 2008.

On January 25, 2016, I met with a new endocrinologist. During that visit, the doctor reviewed recent test results that indicated that I was positive for GAD65 antibodies associated with type 1 diabetes, as well as insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes. In reviewing my medical records, the doctor found test results that the GAD65 antibodies were present at the time of my original diagnosis. This troubling discovery suggested that I had been misdiagnosed. My endocrinologist believed that I was actually dealing with LADA or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults. After more tests were done to confirm the suspicions, my diagnosis was officially changed to LADA on April 21, 2016.

While my diabetes label may have changed, my desire to help people living with all types of diabetes has not waned. If anything, the change is motivation to do more to ensure people are receiving a correct diagnosis, and proper education and treatment that meets the individual’s needs.