The Prevalence of the 65-Kilodalton Isoform of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies by Glucose Tolerance Status in Elderly Patients from the Cardiovascular Health Study

Context: Autoantibodies (AA) to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), a determinant of risk for autoimmune diabetes, have been found in up to 10% of patients with type 2 diabetes. In older adults, this marker may also serve as a determinant of risk for autoimmune diabetes and enhance diabetes classification. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between GAD65AA and glucose tolerance status, current diabetes treatment, and clinical measures in older adults. Design: GAD65AA were measured at baseline in 3318 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study, a cohort study of 5888 individuals 65 or older. Setting: The population-based cohort was recruited from four U.S. sites. Patients: Patients included all Cardiovascular Health Study participants with known diabetes, newly diagnosed diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and a sample of normal glucose-tolerant participants. Main Outcome Measures: GAD65AA, body mass index, fasting glucose and insulin...