Insulin Autoantibodies Test
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 presence of these autoantibodies
provides early evidence of autoimmune disease activity, and their measurement
can be useful in assisting the physician with the prediction, diagnosis, and
management of patients with diabetes. Because the risk of diabetes is increased
with the presence of each additional autoantibody marker, the positive predictive
value of insulin antibody measurement is increased when measured in conjunction
with antibodies to GAD and IA-2.
Private MD
Lab Services offers the following test for insulin autoantibodies:
Related Tests: Type
I Diabetes Diagnostic Profile
