Advanced Glycation Endproducts
AGEs
AGEs play a pivotal role in the development of chronic age-related diseases such as diabetes, renal failure and cardiovascular disease.
Effects of AGEs
AGEs play a pivotal role in the development of chronic age-related diseases such as diabetes, renal failure and cardiovascular disease. The level of AGEs in long-lived tissues (not in blood!) serves as a memory of glycometabolic and oxidative stress and is a valuable predictor of cardiovascular complications.
AGEs and Diabetes
The gradual increase or accumulation of AGEs in diabetes causes important blood vessel complications in this disease. In persons with diabetes, there is a higher risk of heart attack and stroke due to damaged large blood vessels. Small blood vessel damage can cause additional complications such as blindness and kidney failure.
Many diabetes patients will know that so-called glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is used to see if their blood sugar levels are well controlled. AGEs are not the same as HbA1c, because the changes in AGEs are much slower. AGEs are a better predictor of the risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Blood sugar levels and accumulation of AGEs are not the only predictors however. High blood pressure, cholesterol/lipid levels and smoking increase this risk. Information on all these so-called risk factors is very important for your doctor to make the right decisions on starting or changing treatment.
AGEs are also externally formed by the heating of food and are taken up by the body. Examples of food with very high level of AGEs are cola and creme brulee. Another source of AGEs intake is due to smoking.
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Information on Diagnoptics' products and Advanced Glycation Endproducts.
Information about Advanced Glycation Endproducts, the AGE measurement and clinical validation.