Positivity for islet cell autoantibodies in patients with monogenic diabetes is associated with later diabetes onset and higher HbA 1c level

Islet cell autoantibodies are present in a broad spectrum of patients with maturity‐onset diabetes of the young. Islet cell autoantibodies in maturity‐onset diabetes of the young are associated with delayed diabetes onset and poor glycaemic control. Transient kinetics of islet cell autoantibody expression in maturity‐onset diabetes of the young reflects changes in diabetes control (HbA 1c level). Relevance of islet cell autoantibodies as a marker of exclusively autoimmune β‐cell destruction is questioned. Patients with maturity‐onset diabetes of the young positive for islet cell autoantibodies do not display a concurrent significant decline of β‐cell function.