Advanced Glycosylation Endproduct

Advanced Glycosylation Endproduct

Any glycoprotein derived from the hyperglycaemia-induced Amadori reaction, which causes some of the complications of diabetes—e.g., vasculopathy (leakage of proteins across vessels and progressive stenosis) of small and large vessels, atherosclerosis, cataracts and nephropathy. In diabetes, hyperglycaemia causes proteins to combine with glycosylation endproducts in a reversible—early glycosylation endproducts—or irreversible fashion. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is an AGE formed during hyperglycaemia; levels of < 7% (IFCC-HbA1c of < 50 mmol/mol) correlate well with euglycaemia in diabetics. HbA1c is a useful tool for managing diabetics as poor control is recognised earlier and managed more aggressively.