GAD Antibody Test over 250?

[greg-d]

I was dx'd 2+ years ago with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, but until recently responded seemingly well to treatment with a low dose of Synthroid (25 mcg).

At a recent doctor's exam follow-up, my TSH level was elevated (hypothyroid, up from 0.5 Jan 08 to 4.53 May 09), and the doc ordered a GAD antibody test due to high-normal (100-105) fasting blood sugars at several past appts and my 10 year old daughter's Type 1 dx in Oct 07.

I heard back from doc's assistant yesterday that my GAD test, based on a normal range of 0.0 to 5.00, was over 250. I don't yet know the diagnosis or treatment plan, and I don't know if they tested c-peptides or if they'll need to. Does this mean I'm type 1.5? What is the likely treatment?

Greg D.

[zoelula]

To my understanding the presence of GAD antibodies indicates Type 1.5 (or Type 1). Type 2's do not have antibodies as it is not an autoimmune disorder. Having another autoimmune disorder is one of the indicators that led me to realize I was also Type 1.5, not Type 2 as I had been misdiagnosed. C-peptides are useful because they can determine how much insulin you are producing which helps in the treatment planning. Having our thyroid destabilize due to the diabetes seems to be par for the course. I had my thyroid destroyed by radiation due to uncontrollable hyperthyroidism 15 years ago and was stable on the same dose of synthroid until I was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago.

The likely treatment for Type 1.5 like for Type 1 is insulin, probably a low dose. It is believed that the sooner that you begin on insulin if you are type 1.5 the more beta cells you can save.

[foxl]

How's your blood glucose?

I am currently awaiting GAD results, but yours ... I gotta say, that IS impressive! Wowee.

You might want to look into some things like Vitamin D and its effect on the immune system ... ?

I do not want to take T1.5, if I ahve it, lying down!

[frombc]

Have you ever had the OGTT or taken your BGs after meals. I'd be interested to know what your Postprandial nos. were.

I have fasting readings anywhere from 84 to 105, but my PP nos. are usually around 95-110 at two hours.

The reason I ask, is that I don't know my family history (adopted) and I'm not the typical type 2.

My Dr. doesn't consider me to be Pre-diabetic, so he wouldn't consider giving me the GAD test I'm sure.

Both my fasting and PP nos. haven't deteriorated in the last 3.5 years and I've read that with LADA your fasting nos. can be normal, but your PP nos. are usually high.

I'm just trying to figure out if I could be headed to LADA by finding out if there's a pattern beforehand.

[cynthiazinn]

I was treated for years as a type 2 and recently had my C-Peptide done. It was low and I was told I am type 1. I am on MDI and in the process of getting a pump. I am 24 never overweight. Should I have the GAD or other tests done? I have Cigna insurance, anyone know if they will cover these tests? Don't know if the results matter much, but I would like to know for the sake of my children, perhaps.

[foxl]

cynthia, if you are getting a pummp, if your c-peptide is low, is ti still important which anitbodies destroyed your beta cells? I guess that's a question for your Endo ... ?

[cynthiazinn]

My C-peptide is 0.9 wich seems to be just outside the range listed by the lab. Thanks so much.

[foxl]

Sorry for the crappy typing, Cynthia ... mine is 1.3 -- still within normal. But I have antibodies. So it'll be falling, and the treatment plan is gonna be changing sooner rather than later, for me.

You still have some insulin production too. I am not sure if you are already on insulin and getting a pump, how identifying the antibodies might help?

[cynthiazinn]

Sorry for the crappy typing, Cynthia ... mine is 1.3 -- still within normal. But I have antibodies. So it'll be falling, and the treatment plan is gonna be changing sooner rather than later, for me.

You still have some insulin production too. I am not sure if you are already on insulin and getting a pump, how identifying the antibodies might help?

I am concerned for my children. We seem to have a huge genetic link in my family. I don't know if ID in me could help in getting my children tested? I don't know that I should even have them tested? I am more scared for them than for myself and I am the one with the problem!

[foxl]

I am concerned for my children. We seem to have a huge genetic link in my family. I don't know if ID in me could help in getting my children tested? I don't know that I should even have them tested? I am more scared for them than for myself and I am the one with the problem!


I do not know if the testing for GAD would necessarily confirm the genetic link though ... I have NO relatives with this, or with hypoT and sometimes there is a genetic vulerability that leads to autoimmune disease like this ... and a viral infection, possibly coupled with vit D edficiency, triggers the actual disease.

But do discuss the genetics with your physician. Type 2 is more common in the general population, and more common yet in Native Americans.