Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Antibody (GAD 65) - IgG Test

Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) is an enzyme that plays an important role in synthesizing an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the body termed as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Autoimmunity is a disorder where the body’s immune system attacks their own native cells rather than the foreign cells such as viruses, bacteria and other harmful germs hence, creating antibodies. An attack to the GAD enzyme affects the insulin levels of the body which can lead to diabetes. GAD65 is a blood test that helps in recognizing such an autoimmune disorder or antibody and helps in detecting Type 1 diabetes.

There are no such special prerequisites before a GAD65 test. A sample of your blood will be taken and tests will be run in the laboratories. However it is to be noted that you should be properly hydrated before a blood test as it will make it less painful and easier for the physician or nurse to draw blood.

The GAD65 blood test will help in early detection of the antibodies against the GAD enzyme and Type 1 diabetes. This will, in turn, help in early treatment and prevention of diabetes to develop to a later dangerous stage. This test can also help in distinguishing whether a patient has Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood (LADA).

In order to have your blood tested for GAD65, a trained physician or a nurse will use a needle to draw out the required quantity of blood. First, he/she will clean the area from where the blood will be drawn – usually from a vein. Then the area will be cleaned with an alcohol pad or liquid and then the needle will be inserted into your vein. After the required amount of blood is drawn, he/she will apply an adhesive band-aid over the area and make you apply pressure or lift your arm to stop any bleeding. The blood sample collected will then be sent to the laboratory for testing.