My 13 year old son was diagnosed with type 1 in January 2005. His antibody test was negative. Is there any research or even anecdotal evidence that shows type 1s with negative antibodies have more or less susceptibility to long term complications, or whether control of their diabetes is easier or harder than those who had positive antibodies?

Antibody tests are notoriously non-specific. We believe, scientifically, that most young, thin kids with type 1 diabetes still have autoimmune diabetes, but our blood tests are just not specific and sensitive enough to pick this up. Also, there is no information about long term issues related to antibody positive or negative results. The information is interesting for classification purposes, but not helpful for treatment options except to help distinguish from type 2 diabetes syndrome in kids. In an obese child, an antibody positive result would indicate classical type 1 diabetes plus obesity as separate issues. In an obese child, negative antibodies might suggest that treatment with pills rather than insulin would be a possible option. All of this is decided clinically based upon presentation, blood glucose levels and clinical course.

SB