AT-GAD (antibodies to glutamate decarboxylase, GAD-autoantibodies, anti-GAD, GADA)

Marker of autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Antibodies to GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase) are antibodies to the main antigen of pancreatic beta cells, one of the types of autoantibodies that are present in most patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type 1. They indicate an autoimmune mechanism of destruction of the islet apparatus of the pancreas. Such people have an increased risk of other autoimmune disorders. The presence of autoimmune markers in the blood can be detected months and years (5-8 years) before the first clinical symptoms of diabetes. Clinical manifestations of type 1 diabetes occur only after at least 80% of the cells secreting insulin are destroyed. In people without diabetes with a high titer of these antibodies, the risk of developing diabetes is 9-10%, and according to some data - up to 45%. It should be taken into account that autoantibodies to GAD and other antibodies to islet cells can be detected in 1-2% of healthy individuals who will not subsequently develop insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. For patients with type 2 diabetes (insulin-independent), the presence of antibodies to GAD may indicate the risk of the disease transitioning to insulin-dependent diabetes. This study, in addition, can be useful in screening women with gestational diabetes to assess the risk of worsening the disease, as well as in pediatric diabetology when choosing adequate therapy for children with diabetes. It should be taken into account that these antibodies are also detected in other, non-diabetic pathologies: stiff-person syndrome, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis.

It is preferable to wait 4 hours after the last meal, there are no mandatory requirements.

Identification of patients with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Screening of women with gestational diabetes to assess the risk of disease progression. In a complex of studies when deciding on the type of diabetes and the appointment of insulin therapy in children. Screening of relatives (non-diabetics), potential donors of a kidney or part of the pancreas.