Diabetes type I Profile Test

A diabetes type 1 profile is typically done to diagnose and monitor type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

The diabetes type 1 profile is done for several reasons, including:

• To diagnose type 1 diabetes: The tests can detect parameters that are indicative of type 1 diabetes.
• To identify the cause: The tests like GAD (Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody) and ICA (Islet cell antibody) tests detect the presence of antibodies in the blood that are associated with type 1 diabetes.

A diabetes type 1 profile (GAD antibodies, Islet cell antibody (ICA antibodies), IA2, Insulin antibody total, Insulin fasting, C peptide) is typically recommended for certain groups of people, including:

• People with symptoms of type 1 diabetes: People who have symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision should be tested for type 1 diabetes.
• People with risk factors for type 1 diabetes: People who have a family history of type 1 diabetes, are diagnosed with celiac disease or have other autoimmune disorder should be tested for type 1 diabetes.
• People with newly diagnosed diabetes: People who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, and whose blood sugar levels are not well-controlled with oral medication, should be tested for type 1 diabetes.
• Children and adolescents: Children and adolescents who have symptoms of diabetes or are at risk of type 1 diabetes should be tested.

• It's important to note that these tests are not specific to type 1 diabetes, and they can be positive in other autoimmune diseases as well. Therefore, these results should be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as clinical evaluation, and HbA1c.

The Diabetes type 1 profile measures :

• GAD antibodies
• Islet cell antibody (ICA antibodies)
• IA2
• Insulin antibody total
• Insulin fasting
• C peptide

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

A positive result for a diabetes type 1 profile, which includes GAD antibodies, Islet cell antibody (ICA antibodies), IA2, Insulin antibody total, Insulin fasting, and C-peptide tests, can indicate the presence of type 1 diabetes. Here is a brief overview of what some of the positive test results may indicate:

• GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase) antibodies: High levels of these antibodies in the blood can indicate an autoimmune attack on the pancreas, which can lead to type 1 diabetes.
• Islet cell antibody (ICA) antibodies: High levels of these antibodies in the blood can indicate an autoimmune attack on the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, which can lead to type 1 diabetes.
• IA2 (insulinoma-associated antigen 2) antibodies: High levels of these antibodies in the blood can indicate an autoimmune attack on the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, which can lead to type 1 diabetes.
• Insulin antibody total: High levels of these antibodies in the blood can indicate an autoimmune attack on the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, which can lead to type 1 diabetes.
• Insulin fasting: Low levels of insulin in the blood can indicate that the pancreas is not producing enough insulin, which is common in type 1 diabetes.
• C-peptide: Low levels of C-peptide can indicate a lack of insulin production, which is common in type 1 diabetes.

Associated Tests:

1.  Diabetes Complications assessment
2.  Diabetes Profile, Maxi
3.   Diabetes Profile, Mini
4.   Diabetes Risk Assessment Profile