1,5-Anhydroglucitol

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1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is a naturally occurring monosaccharide found in various foods. It is structurally similar to glucose and is used as a marker for short-term glycemic control in individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Biochemistry

1,5-Anhydroglucitol is a polyol (sugar alcohol) that is absorbed in the small intestine and reabsorbed in the renal tubules of the kidney. Its concentration in the blood is relatively stable in healthy individuals but decreases in the presence of hyperglycemia due to competitive inhibition of its reabsorption by glucose.

Clinical Significance

1,5-Anhydroglucitol levels are used as a marker for short-term glycemic control, particularly in the context of diabetes mellitus. Unlike hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, 1,5-AG provides information about glycemic excursions over the past 1-2 weeks. Low levels of 1,5-AG indicate frequent or recent hyperglycemic episodes.

Measurement

The measurement of 1,5-Anhydroglucitol is performed using a blood test. The test is particularly useful for detecting postprandial hyperglycemia and for monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies.

Comparison with Other Markers

1,5-Anhydroglucitol is often compared with other markers of glycemic control such as HbA1c and fructosamine. While HbA1c provides a long-term view of blood glucose levels, 1,5-AG is more sensitive to short-term changes, making it a complementary tool in diabetes management.

Research and Development

Ongoing research is focused on improving the accuracy and reliability of 1,5-Anhydroglucitol measurements and understanding its role in various metabolic conditions beyond diabetes.

See also

• Glucose
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hemoglobin A1c
• Fructosamine
• Glycemic control

References

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