LAB TEST
Anti-insulin antibody test
The anti-insulin antibody test checks to see if your body has produced antibodies against insulin. Antibodies are proteins the body produces to protect itself when it detects anything foreign, such as a virus or transplanted organ.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
This test may be performed if: You have or are at risk for type 1 diabetes You appear to have an allergic response to insulin Insulin no longer seems to control your diabetes You are taking insulin to control your diabetes and your blood sugar level varies a lot, with both high and low numbers that can't be explained…
Normal Results
Normally, there are no antibodies against insulin in your blood. Antibodies can be found in the blood of many people who are taking insulin to control diabetes. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your health care…
What Abnormal Results Mean
The presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against insulin can be part of the testing that diagnoses you with type 1 diabetes. If you develop anti-insulin antibodies, insulin may not work as well, or it may not work at all. As a result, your blood sugar can be very high. Or the antibodies can also put you at risk for low…
Risks
There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks of having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive…
References
Atkinson MA, Mcgill DE, Dassau E, Laffel L. Type 1 diabetes mellitus. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology . 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 36. Kahn CR, Ferris HA, O'Neill BT. Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In: Melmed S, Auchus…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 28/02/2024).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.