[Value of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody detection for early diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults].

OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnostic values of detection of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD-Ab) for latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).

METHOD

The clinical characteristics, body mass index (BMI), serum C-peptide levels, and HbAIC were compared between the 12 type 2 diabetic patients positive and 86 negative for GAD-Ab.

RESULTS

The mean age, BMI, fasting and postprandial 2 h C-peptide levels in GAD-Ab-positive group were lower than those of GAD-Ab-negative group. The frequency of insulin use and prevalence of ketosis were higher in GAD-Ab-positive group than in GAD-Ab-negative group.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of LADA can be established according to GAD-Ab-positivity, clinical characteristics and islet function. Patients with LADA should receive insulin therapy as early as possible to protect the residue islet B cells, reduce the occurrence of ketosis, and prevent diabetic complications of the eye, kidney and nerves.