Autoimmunity in south Indian children with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is known to be associated with autoimmunity and hence autoantibodies. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD) antibody in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in a government-run pediatric tertiary care center in South India from 2015 to 2017 and included 125 patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus. Demographic and clinical data were captured and GAD antibody was detected by the ELISA technique and a titer of above 1.0 IU/mL was considered positive. Results: The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of GAD 65 antibody was found to be 79.2% (71%–86%). Glycated hemoglobin level was significantly higher in GAD negative when compared to GAD positive patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with high prevalence of autoantibodies in the current era.

Keywords

• gad antibody
• prevalence
• south india
• type 1 diabetes mellitus