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Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase in blood
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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In recent years, research has identified a major antigen that is the main target for autoantibodies associated with the development of type 1 diabetes. This antigen turned out to be glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), a membrane enzyme of pancreatic β-cells. Antibodies to GAD are a very informative marker for diagnosing prediabetes, as well as identifying individuals with a high risk of developing the disease (sensitivity 70%, specificity 99%).
An increased concentration of antibodies to GAD in the blood can be detected 7-14 years before the clinical manifestation of the disease. Over time, the concentration of antibodies to GAD decreases and they are detected in only 20% of patients. Antibodies to GAD are detected in 60-80% of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, their detection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus indicates the involvement of autoimmune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of the disease and serves as an indication for immunocorrective therapy.
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