We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Islet Cell Antibodies?

By Melanie Smeltzer
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 11,617
Share

Islet cells in the pancreas help to create certain hormones within the body, including pancreatic polypeptide, glucagon, somatomammotropin, and insulin. Islet cell antibodies work against these cells by treating them as foreign material and attempting to expunge them from the system. The destruction of these cells can cause a number of health complications, including type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis.

In the pancreas, numerous clusters of cells are formed to help produce certain hormones necessary to maintaining a healthy system. These hormones range from glucagon, which raises the level of glucose in the blood, to insulin, which will lower the levels of glucose. Antibodies, on the other hand, are a protein that the body begins to create during any sign of real or perceived damage. When the immune system mistakenly begins to destroy islet cells, these specific antibodies are released.

Although islet cell antibodies are sometimes related to other autoimmune diseases, they are most commonly associated with type 1 diabetes. Whereas type 2 diabetes is attributed to a genetic tendency toward insulin resistance, type 1 diabetes is often thought to be caused by the disintegration of pancreatic islet cells. In many cases, antibodies may appear in patients prior to any symptoms of diabetes and, when these antibodies are made apparent by testing, they are often indicative of the onset of the disease.

There are a number of tests that may be done to note the presence of islet cell antibodies, but blood tests — better known as islet cell antibody measurements — are by far the most common. These blood tests generally analyze a number of antibodies such as anti-insulin, islet cell autoantigen 512, and anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase. Blood may also be taken at this time to help rule out complementary autoimmune conditions such as Addison's or celiac disease.

Though, as of 2010, there is no known cure for islet cell antibodies, there are many folk remedies that are thought to either prevent or help curb their effects. For example, vitamin D taken early in life is said to help stunt the formation of these antibodies, while the juice of bitter melon is thought to help lower blood sugar. Most doctors, however, recommend a clinical approach, which may include a variety of insulin types that may be injected, pumped or inhaled into the body. There are also a number of surgical procedures that show promise for patients who are affected by islet cell antibodies.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-islet-cell-antibodies.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.