Examinations
Examinations
Anti-Insulin Antibodies (IAA) Test
Anti-insulin antibodies (IAA) are autoantibodies produced by the body against its own insulin. They are considered specific markers of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and are used for the differential diagnosis of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.
Clinical Significance
In Type 1 Diabetes, autoimmune damage to pancreatic beta cells leads to insulin deficiency. In contrast, Type 2 Diabetes is not associated with autoantibodies against insulin.
- Anti-insulin antibodies are detected in up to 50% of Type 1 Diabetes patients.
- They are more common in children and less frequent in adults.
- High antibody titers are typically observed in children under 3 years old, making this test particularly useful for diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes in children.
- Take the test at least 2 hours after the last meal.
- Avoid smoking for 1 hour before the test.
- Avoid physical and emotional stress for 1 hour before the test.
- Differentiation between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.
- Predicting Type 1 Diabetes, particularly in children with a genetic predisposition.
Interpretation of Results
Positive Result (Elevated Anti-Insulin Antibodies):
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Autoimmune insulin syndrome (Hirata's disease)
- Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome
- Patients receiving insulin therapy (exogenous insulin can trigger antibody production)
Negative Result:
- Normal (no autoimmune insulin antibodies detected).
- Type 2 Diabetes should be considered if diabetes symptoms are present.
This test is essential for the early detection and differentiation of autoimmune diabetes, especially in children and young adults.