Insulin Diabetes Antibodies Test

Description:

Insulin Diabetes Antibodies Test

The Insulin Diabetes Antibodies Test includes several tests that can help determine if a person's diabetes is related to an autoimmune disorder and distinguish between the different types of Diabetes.  Diabetes is a series of conditions in which the body does not process insulin properly which can lead to irregularities in blood sugar levels resulting in a number of health complications.  Type 1 Diabetes is typically caused by an autoimmune disorder that damages the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin.  Type 2 Diabetes is associated with Insulin Resistance in which the body's normal process of producing insulin to transport glucose to the cells is impaired resulting in an imbalance between insulin and glucose levels.  Certain types of autoimmune antibodies are present in a high percentage of people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  Testing for these antibodies can help determine which type of diabetes a person has and help their doctor determine the appropriate treatment.

This test looks for the following antibody types:

• Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) - 65 Antibodies
• Islet Cell Antigen (ICA) 512 Antibodies aka Islet Antigen 2 (IA-2) Antibodies
• Insulin Autoantibodies
• Zinc Transporter 8 (ZnT8) Antibodies

This test is typically ordered when a person has been diagnosed as Diabetic to help determine which type of Diabetes they have and determine the appropriate treatment.  It is not typically appropriate as a screening for Diabetes.  Other tests such as the Hemoglobin A1c are more appropriate for helping to see if a person may be at risk for developing Diabetes.

Turnaround for this test is typically 9-12 business days.