Back

Anti-GAD

0 Azn
Add to basketAdded

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is an enzyme essential for the synthesis of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the nervous system. This enzyme is found exclusively in neurons and beta cells of the pancreas. GAD acts as an autoantigen in the development of autoimmune diabetes (Type 1 Diabetes, T1D). Antibodies against this enzyme (Anti-GAD antibodies) are detected in 95% of patients with Type 1 Diabetes. Although Anti-GAD antibodies are not the direct cause of T1D, they indicate ongoing beta-cell destruction.

In laboratory diagnostics, Anti-GAD antibodies are considered specific markers of autoimmune pancreatic damage and are used in the differential diagnosis of diabetes types.

Clinical Significance

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and disturbances in lipid and protein metabolism. These imbalances lead to acute complications (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis) and long-term complications (e.g., retinopathy).

In addition to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, there are rarer clinical variants of this disease. Proper differentiation of these types is critical for treatment strategy and prognosis. The presence of autoantibodies against beta cells helps distinguish Type 1 diabetes from Type 2 diabetes.

  • Most patients with Type 1 Diabetes have pancreatic autoantibodies.
  • Autoantibodies are rarely found in Type 2 Diabetes.
  • Avoid smoking for at least 30 minutes before the test.
  • Differential diagnosis between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.
  • Predicting the risk of Type 1 Diabetes in individuals with a family history of the disease.
  • Diagnosis of neurological conditions

Positive Result (Elevated Anti-GAD Antibodies)

  • Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
  • Moersch-Woltman Syndrome (Stiff Person Syndrome)
  • Cerebellar ataxia
  • Epilepsy
  • Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements)
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Paraneoplastic encephalitis
  • Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
  • Graves' disease
  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis
  • Pernicious anemia

Negative Result

  • Normal (no autoimmune pancreatic damage detected).
  • Type 2 Diabetes is more likely if symptoms of hyperglycemia are present.

This test is crucial for early diagnosis and differentiation of diabetes and some neurological disorders.