INDIVIDUAL TEST 111

IA-2 Antibodies

IndicationSuspicion of risk of developing type 1 diabetes (T1D, previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM).MethodELISA.AnswerThe result is given as negative or positive with a value (IU/ml). Negative <10 IU/ml.InterpretationIgG antibodies against IA-2 are frequently found in T1D. About 60-70% of young newly diagnosed people have this antibody. If there are antibodies against islet cells, this confirms the T1D diagnosis. The antibodies can often be observed before clinical signs of T1D. At the time of the diagnosis up to 90% can have antibodies against one or several of the antigens GAD-65, IA-2 or insulin. The percentage of positive patients depends on age (young people have a higher percentage), disease duration (the percentage decreases over time) and ethnic background. Slightly elevated values may occur in autoimmune endocrine diseases, in particular autoimmune thyroiditis.