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