Diabetes Mellitus Autoantibody Panel Test

Diabetes Mellitus Autoantibody Panel Test- Why am I having this test?

A diabetes mellitus autoantibody panel may be used:

  • To evaluate insulin resistance and your risk for developing diabetes (diabetes mellitus). Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body do not respond properly to insulin made by the pancreas and are not able to absorb sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream. This makes you more likely to develop diabetes.
  • To help diagnose type 1 diabetes.
  • To determine if your diabetes is type 1 or type 2.
  • To monitor your condition after receiving a pancreatic islet cell transplant.

What is being tested?

This test checks for antibodies in the blood that are related to type 1 diabetes. Antibodies are proteins that the body makes in response to insulin and other related chemicals.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.
  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Any blood disorders you have.
  • Any surgeries you have had.
  • Any medical conditions you have.
  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your results will be reported as a ratio, which is referred to as a titer. The ratio is an indicator of the amount of antibodies in your blood.

Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, a common reference range is less than 1:4 titer.

What do the results mean?

Results of less than 1:4 titer are considered normal, meaning that you have none of these antibodies in your blood, and you do not have insulin resistance.

Results higher than the reference range may mean that you may have:

  • Insulin resistance.
  • Type 1 diabetes. You may need more tests to confirm this diagnosis.
  • Low blood sugar caused by giving yourself too much insulin.
  • A higher risk of rejection after pancreatic islet cell transplant.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • This test checks for antibodies in the blood that are related to type 1 diabetes. Antibodies are proteins that the body makes in response to insulin and other related chemicals.
  • You may have this test to help determine if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. You may need more tests to confirm a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
  • Your results will be reported as a ratio, which is referred to as a titer. The ratio is an indicator of the amount of antibodies in your blood.
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