Randomized Controlled Trial of Insulin Versus Tablets for Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)

Insulin arm: Patients will be given advice on diet and exercise and life style and will be started on NovoMix 30, one dose of 6 U at the evening/main meal. Dose will be adjusted in increments of 2-6U depending on fasting glucose level When total dose equals 16 U patient will be started on 4 units with breakfast and continue with 16 units with evening meal. Breakfast and/or evening meal dose will be adjusted where necessary at increments of 2-6 U depending on fasting and/or pre-evening meal glucose level. Patient needs to keep a daily diary of insulin doses taken.

Step 1: Lifestyle modification. If HbA1c at 7%+ or if on metformin/sulphonylurea go to step 2. Step 2: Glucophage. If HbA1c of 7%-7.5% give 500mg x 1 per day. If HbA1c 7.6%-8.0%, week 1 - 500mg x 1 day and then 500mg x 2 day. If HbA1c 8.0%+ then 500mg x 3 per day (Titrated). If HbA1c remains 7%+ give additional tablet until 2gms per day then progress to Step 3. Step 3: Rosiglitazone. HbA1c of 7%+ give 4 mg per day. If HbA1c remains 7%+ titrate to maximal dose 4 mg twice daily +/-Metformin. If HbA1c remains 7% + for an 3 months move to step 4. Before initiation of Rosiglitazone repeat medical history with special emphasis on cardiovascular disease, if patient has a history of CVD move to Step 4 (insulin). Any adverse events suggestive of heart disease move to step 4. Step 4: Insulin (oral agents will be stopped). Initiation of insulin will the same as for the insulin arm and will follow the protocol detailed in the Insulin arm.