Sam Milby reveals he has latent autoimmune diabetes
"I always thought I was a healthy person. It’s sad, but it’s part of my life," he said.
Sam Milby reveals he has Type 1 diabetes
ctor and singer Sam Milby has revealed that he has been diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) — a condition often referred to as Type 1.5 diabetes.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News during the anniversary celebration of his talent agency, Cornerstone Entertainment, Milby shared that he had just completed a general medical checkup in Singapore when the diagnosis was confirmed.
“There was a fan who commented, ‘Maybe you’re not Type 2, maybe you’re Type 1.5,’” Milby recounted. “So I did my research, asked my endocrinologist, and had a checkup in Singapore. The two doctors decided to do a blood test — and it was confirmed.”
Milby explained that LADA is an autoimmune condition where the body gradually stops producing insulin, similar to Type 1 diabetes.
“It’s called LADA — it’s an autoimmune disease,” he said. “It means I’m diagnosed as Type 2 now, but eventually, I’ll become Type 1.”
When asked about the seriousness of the condition, Milby was candid.
“It’s bad,” he admitted. “Type 1 is the worst — Tito Gary [Valenciano] has Type 1. It means your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin at all. So I may have to start insulin shots eventually. That’s just how it is.”
Despite the diagnosis, the actor remains positive and grounded.
“It’s part of my life,” he said. “I have discipline when it comes to food, but it was still surprising because I always thought I was a healthy person. It’s sad, but it’s part of my life.”
What is latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA)?
According to the Mayo Clinic, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults is a form of diabetes that begins in adulthood and progresses gradually. Like Type 1 diabetes, it occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Unlike traditional Type 1 diabetes, however, LADA develops slowly, and patients often do not need insulin therapy immediately after diagnosis. Over time, though, insulin production continues to decline, requiring treatment similar to that of Type 1 diabetes.
Milby, who has long been known for his healthy lifestyle and disciplined approach to fitness, said he plans to manage the condition through regular monitoring and medical guidance.
“Ganun talaga,” he said calmly. “It’s part of life.”