Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which islet cell antibody is considered the best predictor of type 1 diabetes?

1. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)

2. Heat shock protein 65

3. Peripherin

4. Endocrine cell antigens

The correct answer is: Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is considered the best predictor of type 1 diabetes among the islet cell antibodies. This antibody targets an enzyme that is crucial for the proper functioning of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production. The presence of GAD antibodies is often used to confirm a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, as they indicate an autoimmune attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Research has shown that GAD antibodies are found in a significant number of individuals with type 1 diabetes, even before the onset of hyperglycemia. This means they can serve as an early marker of the disease, helping healthcare providers identify individuals at risk for developing type 1 diabetes. Other antibodies related to diabetes can be present, but GAD antibodies have been shown to have a stronger association and predictive value regarding the development of type 1 diabetes. Heat shock protein 65 and peripherin, while they may be observed in some autoimmune conditions, are not as strongly linked to the predictive diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Endocrine cell antigens also lack the specificity and predictive power that GAD antibodies possess in this context. Understanding the nuances of these biomarkers is crucial for effective diabetes management and education.