Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 (GAD-65) Antibody details

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-65) antibodies are autoantibodies that target an enzyme found in insulin-producing pancreatic cells (and, in smaller amounts, nerve cells). Their presence is one of the key markers used to help diagnose type 1 diabetes and distinguish it from type 2, since type 1 diabetes involves an autoimmune attack on these insulin-producing cells. GAD-65 antibodies are also used to help identify LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults), a slower-progressing form of autoimmune diabetes that can initially resemble type 2 diabetes in adults before eventually requiring insulin.