Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a form of diabetes with a wide range of phenotypic presentations. This review focuses on the best diagnostic method based on current studies and examines the best treatment approach once diagnosis has been made in patients with LADA. Based on glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody (GADA) titers it can be divided into either LADA 1 or LADA 2. The former sharing clinical features of DM 1 with quicker onset of insulin dependence, the latter resembling DM 2 with higher BMI and less need for insulin. The clinical and genetic heterogenuity of LADA has caused much controversy as it has been debated whether or not it should be considered as a separate entity or part of a continuum between DM 1 and DM 2. However, proper diagnosis and treatment are highly needed for this subgroup of patients, as they eventually have worse metabolic control and are more prone to DKA than DM 2 patients. The proportion of patients with LADA and DM 1 is roughly estimated to be equal, considering the fact that about 10 % of DM 2 patients actually belong to the LADA subgroup. With regards to this large number of LADA patients, screening methods are crucial for indentification, correct treatment and stricter metabolic control.