Type 2 GAD test not done again - does it matter?

Smallbrit

Well-Known Member
Messages
284
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Grrrr.

Had HBA1C done this morning. GAD test was ordered but not done at last blood draw, so GP said he'd add it on to the next 3-month review. It wasn't even on the blood draw order this time. When I asked the nurse why, she said I can ask the GP when I see him... in 3 weeks.... it'll by then have been 6 months since he ordered it, and two missed blood draws. I've read all the threads on here re: costs etc meaning GAD tests are often not done, though I don't know why the GP would have taken if off the order completely.

Is there anything about having/not having a GAD test that's important? I'm diet controlled, no meds, diagnosed type 2 last year with HBA1C results of 89 and 76, after ambling along with prediabetes for at least 3 years and being a perfectly happy 116 lbs. I've lost 9 lbs in 2 months, completely unintentionally, so I hope that isn't a symptom of anything except diet changes.

I personally blame grief and a serious overload of biscuits (think in terms of entire packs of Bourbons at once) in my diet for the great big jump in HBA1C last year, but interestingly it didn't add any weight on at all. I got a meter at Christmas and I've been trying to eat to that with post prandial rises at 2hrs at no more than 2mmol. As a result I started eating very low carb, because higher carbs at meals cause spikes. But it also involved far less food, as I ended up not being hungry, and I suspect more food/more fat in would stop weight loss. I'm going to try that at least.

My mum was a very very skinny, frail T1, who worked very hard to maintain a weight above 90lbs; so weight loss for any reason other than not eating enough food terrifies me.
 

rmz80

Well-Known Member
Messages
332
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
I do not have diabetes
From your signature I calculate your BMI as 21.9 which is in the healthy range for your weight and height. The 9lb is not huge variation over 2 months. My weight varies up to 5lb on the same day (which is just water in the food I eat).

You are wanting to know if your type 1 as well however. I'm not sure who pays for the GAD test but I suspect it will be the GP practice and their budget may not stretch to this at present.
 

Alison Campbell

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,443
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Like you I have type 1 and type 1.5 in my immediate family. I was reading the other day that being GAD positive and a close relative of type 1 does not mean you will get type 1. This was on the website of of hospital test information for doctors.

Found it here:http://www.southend.nhs.uk/pathology-handbook/test-directory/test-directory-g-index/gad-antibodies/

Am I reading this right?

I would still try to get a GAD anti body test if I could. I would want to know especially down the line if low carb stops working.

Not too expensive really, I'd pay £20 for peace of mind http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/immunology/diagnostic-tests/tests-catalogue/gad-antibodies.aspx
 

rmz80

Well-Known Member
Messages
332
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
I do not have diabetes

DCUKMod

Master
Staff Member
Messages
14,298
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Like you I have type 1 and type 1.5 in my immediate family. I was reading the other day that being GAD positive and a close relative of type 1 does not mean you will get type 1. This was on the website of of hospital test information for doctors.

Found it here:http://www.southend.nhs.uk/pathology-handbook/test-directory/test-directory-g-index/gad-antibodies/

Am I reading this right?

I would still try to get a GAD anti body test if I could. I would want to know especially down the line if low carb stops working.

Not too expensive really, I'd pay £20 for peace of mind http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/immunology/diagnostic-tests/tests-catalogue/gad-antibodies.aspx

I think you might find that's what it costs for the tests to be done in the NHS. Curiously, it seems to vary. The following snip is from https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/OurServices...munology and CSF Laboratory User Handbook.pdf (page 10 os 22)f

upload_2018-2-22_0-26-38.png


To be fair, I am surmising that, rather than being certain of it.

Privately, it's a bit more: https://privatebloodtests.co.uk/private-blood-test-for-gad-antibodies-in-blood.html
 

rmz80

Well-Known Member
Messages
332
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
I do not have diabetes