GAD Antibodies (Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies) Test is to detect the type 1 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood. It is performed to count the type of antibody produced by the body which destroys its own GAD cells.
The test is performed to help determine which type of diabetes someone has.
The test is particularly useful for adults over 30 who get diabetes where a type 2 diabetes diagnosis is in doubt – such as if the patient is not overweight.
The test may also be used to determine whether gestational diabetes (diabetes within pregnancy) may be type 1 diabetes. The test can also be used to measure the progression of type 1 diabetes or indicate a risk of type 1 diabetes or LADA.
Presence of the GAD antibodies is observed in 75% of people with type 1 diabetes at diagnosis.
If the test shows GAD antibodies are present, this indicates that the patient has type 1 diabetes. If no GAD antibodies are present, however, the test cannot be conclusive in saying that the patient does not have type 1 diabetes.
