NSYNC’s Lance Bass Says Managing Type 1.5 Diabetes Is a ‘Full-Time Job’

Lance Bass Shares His Journey with Type 1.5 Diabetes: A Story of Misdiagnosis, Management, and Advocacy

Introduction to Type 1.5 Diabetes and Lance Bass’s Diagnosis

Lance Bass, a former member of the iconic boy band NSYNC, has opened up about his experience living with type 1.5 diabetes, also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). In an interview with Healthline, Bass shared how his diagnosis came as a surprise and the challenges he faced after being initially misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Bass’s journey highlights the complexities of this lesser-known form of diabetes and the importance of proper diagnosis and management.

Type 1.5 diabetes, or LADA, is a form of diabetes that combines features of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by autoimmune beta-cell destruction, similar to type 1 diabetes, but with a slower progression and onset typically occurring in adulthood. According to Dr. Scott Isaacs, president-elect of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, LADA is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes due to its gradual symptom progression and adult onset. However, unlike type 2 diabetes, LADA ultimately requires insulin therapy, usually within 5–10 years of diagnosis.

The Misdiagnosis and Its Impact

Bass’s journey with diabetes began with a misdiagnosis of type 2 diabetes. He explained that he maintains regular health check-ups, including a normal blood panel every six months. When his doctors initially told him he had type 2 diabetes, he began managing the condition through medication. However, his glucose levels remained uncontrolled, prompting him to seek a second opinion. After two months of further testing, Bass was finally diagnosed with type 1.5 diabetes, a condition he had never heard of before.

The misdiagnosis and subsequent correct diagnosis brought a mix of relief and challenges for Bass. He recalled feeling extremely fatigued, with days when he couldn’t even get out of bed or move his legs. The correct diagnosis provided clarity and allowed him to adopt the appropriate treatment plan, including insulin dependency. Bass described the relief of finally understanding what was happening in his body, but also acknowledged the emotional and physical adjustments that came with living with a chronic illness.

Managing Type 1.5 Diabetes: Tools and Strategies

Since his diagnosis, Bass has implemented several strategies to manage his condition effectively. He uses a Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor, which provides