Does this test have other names?
Islet autoantibodies and diabetes mellitus autoantibody panel
What is this test?
This blood test checks for substances called antibodies. These are made by your body as it tries to fight off foreign substances, such as germs. But sometimes, antibodies attack normal things in your body. In type 1 diabetes, antibodies attack the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Without enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise and over time this can cause diabetes.
Your doctor uses this test to find out if you have type 1 diabetes and whether you are at risk for developing type 1 diabetes in the future. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children, teens, and young adults. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It can happen at any age but mostly occurs in adults.Type 2 diabetes is not caused by these antibodies.
Your doctor is able to order the following antibody tests in Alberta for diabetes:
- Zinc transporter 8 antibody (ZnT8).
- Glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 antibody (GAD65).
- Insulinoma-associated-2 antibody (IA-2).
Having one or more of these antibodies can mean you have type 1 diabetes. Or it could mean you are at risk of developing it. These antibodies often show up years before symptoms begin. So this test is useful if you have a family history of type 1 diabetes.
People with type 2 diabetes don't have these antibodies, so the test is also useful to tell which type of diabetes a person has.
Why do I need this test?
You may need this blood test to confirm that you have type 1 diabetes or help determine whether your symptoms are due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
What other tests might I have along with this test?
The diabetes antibody panel is just one part of checking for type 1 diabetes. Your doctor may also order other tests such as:
- C-peptide (measuring how much insulin your body is making).
- Insulin levels.
- Hemoglobin A1C (your average blood sugar for a few months).
- Blood sugar tests (also called blood glucose).
Together, these tests help give a clearer picture of how your body is controlling blood sugar.
What do my test results mean?
Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. Ask your doctor what your test results mean for you.
In general, if the antibodies are in your blood, you could have type 1 diabetes. Or you could be at risk of developing it. If the antibodies are not in your blood, you might have type 2 diabetes. But some people with type 1 diabetes will test negative for these antibodies so it is important that other diabetes tests are interpreted at the same time.
How is this test done?
The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand.
Does this test pose any risks?
Having a blood test with a needle has some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling light-headed. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.
What might affect my test results?
If you are taking insulin, it can affect the insulin antibody portion of the test.
How do I get ready for this test?
You don't need to prepare for this test. Be sure your doctor knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.
