GAD Total Antibody Type I Diabetes
Understanding GAD Total Antibody Type I Diabetes
What is GAD Total Antibody Type I Diabetes?
The GAD Total Antibody Type I Diabetes test is a blood test that measures the levels of antibodies that target the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzyme in blood. The test is used to assess an individual's risk of developing the disease, especially in individuals with a family history of Type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune diseases. Elevated levels of GAD antibodies in the blood are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. test is used in conjunction with other tests to aid in the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. The presence of GAD antibodies in the blood may be detected before the onset of clinical symptoms of the disease, making this test useful in identifying individuals who may have the disease. The GAD Total Antibody Type I Diabetes also aids in the diagnosis of other autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1), stiff-person syndrome, and cerebellar ataxia. You may be advised this test if you experience symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst or hunger, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing sores or infections, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Since the presence of GAD antibodies in the blood may be detected several years before the onset of clinical symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, this test is useful in identifying individuals who are at risk for developing the disease.