GAD Autoantibodies Test

This test detects the presence of antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), which provides early evidence of autoimmune disease activity; its measurement has been shown to be useful in assisting the physician in the prediction, diagnosis, and management of patients with diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, commonly referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), is caused by pancreatic beta-cell destruction that leads to an absolute insulin deficiency. The clinical onset of diabetes does not occur until 80% to 90% of these cells have been destroyed. Prior to clinical onset, type 1 diabetes is often characterized by circulating autoantibodies against a variety of islet cell antigens, including glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), tyrosine phosphatase (IA 2) and insulin. The autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells is thought to be the primary cause of type 1 diabetes.

Autoantibodies to GAD is found in type 1 diabetics at and prior to disease onset. These autoantibodies are generally more prevalent in younger onset patients. Because the risk of diabetes is increased with the presence of each additional autoantibody, the positive predictive value of the GAD antibody test is enhanced when measured in conjunction with IA 2 antibodies and insulin.

Private MD Lab Services offers the following test for GAD autoantibodies:

Related Tests: Type I Diabetes Diagnostic Profile