GAD autoantibodies in a selection-free population of insulin-treated diabetic patients:: indicator of a high prevalence of LADA?

Up to the present only few data have been available concerning the prevalence of diabetes-specific autoantibodies (anti-GAD, ICA, IAA, IA-2) in unselected populations, in particular in type 2 diabetic patients. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anti-CAD in a selection-free population of insulin-treated diabetic patients. Accordingly, 90% of all the insulin-treated diabetic patients (type 1, n = 127, type 2, n = 117) aged 16-60 years and living in the city of Jena (100 242 inhabitants) were examined. In order to test sera for anti-CAD, serum samples were taken in 75% of type 1 (n = 95) and in 80% of insulin-treated type 2 diabetic (n = 94) patients. Results: In the group of type 1 diabetic patients 55% of the patients tested were positive for anti-CAD. But, interestingly, in the type 2 group, a total of 21% patients were positive. With respect to this high percentage of anti-CAD positive type 2 diabetic patients it must be suggested that the frequency of patients with latent autoimmune diabetes mellitus in adults (LADA) was underestimated in the past. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.