Description
A diabetes autoantibody panel is a blood test that checks for antibodies that can indicate type 1 diabetes or the risk of developing it. Type 1 diabetes screening involves a blood test that looks for autoantibodies, which are proteins that indicate the body's immune system is attacking the pancreas. Some individuals have a combination of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affecting treatment.
What it tests for:
- The test looks for antibodies that attack the cells that produce insulin, including:
- Islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ICA)
- Glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA)
- Insulinoma-associated-2 autoantibodies (IA-2A)
- Insulin autoantibodies (IAA)
When it's ordered
- A healthcare provider typically orders this test after a person has been diagnosed with diabetes. It's not usually used as a diabetes screening.
What it can show
- High levels of these antibodies can indicate type 1 diabetes or the risk of developing it. The antibodies can appear years before symptoms begin.
How it can help
- This test can help determine if a person has type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, which doesn't produce these antibodies.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that affects about 10% of all diabetes cases. Symptoms include frequent urination, thirst, weight loss, and poor wound healing.
Fasting not required.
