GAD 65 Antibody
GAD 65 Antibody
The Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase 65 antibody test is a diagnostic test that detects the presence of GAD 65 antibodies in your blood. GAD is an enzyme produced by islets of the pancreas. GAD 65 antibodies are autoantibodies (proteins) that react with components of the body’s normal tissues and organs. The presence of higher levels of GAD 65 autoantibodies is used to differentiate between type 1 diabetes and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).
GAD 65 autoantibody test also serves as a biomarker for various autoimmune disorders such as thyroid, Addison’s disease, vitiligo, and pernicious anaemia. Thus, getting your GAD 65 antibody test done is recommended to prevent various diabetic complications and other immune-mediated conditions
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
Feeling more thirsty than usual
Urinating often
Weight loss
Feeling tired and weak
Having blurry vision
Having slow-healing wounds
Getting more infections
Having numb/ tingling hands or feet
Having dry skin
Who should get tested?
GAD 65 antibody test is recommended in the following conditions:
To differentiate type 1 diabetes from latent autoimmune diabetes in adults
To detect the level of GAD 65 antibodies in blood
To monitor an effective treatment plan for type 1 diabetes
Test preparation
No preparation is required for the GAD antibody test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The test result may come as positive or negative.
Positive result
If your test results are positive, it indicates the presence of the GAD 65 antibodies in your blood. A positive GAD 65 antibody test indicates that the individual is more likely to suffer from type 1 diabetes, not LADA.
Negative result
If your test results are negative, it indicates the absence of the GAD 65 antibodies in your blood. It means that you are less likely to have type 1 diabetes
FAQs
How is the GAD 65 antibody test performed?
During this blood test, a healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle, which is collected in a test tube or vial. This procedure takes no longer than five minutes
What are the risks associated with GAD 65 antibody test?
There are no known risks associated with this test. During a blood test, one may experience minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the GAD 65 antibody test?
Test results of the GAD 65 antibody are usually available after 2-3 working days of sample collection. Test results might be mailed or made available online through health portals. Your doctor might also contact you by phone or email to review your test findings or arrange a follow-up appointment
Can a GAD 65 antibody test diagnose diabetes?
No, a GAD 65 antibody test is performed in individuals, who are already diagnosed with diabetes by using random blood sugar tests. It is used only to differentiate type 1 diabetes from LADA
How higher levels of GAD 65 antibody can result in type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which islets of Langerhans (pancreatic cells, which produce insulin) are affected. GAD 65 antibodies destroy the islets of Langerhans by providing instructions to the immune system that results in irregular production of insulin, leading to diabetes
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