1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol

1,5-Anhydro-D-glucitol (also known as 1,5-AG) is a naturally occurring monosaccharide found in nearly all foods. It is used as a marker for average blood glucose concentration over time.

Overview

1,5-Anhydro-D-glucitol is a polyol, a type of sugar alcohol, that is metabolized in the human body. It is absorbed from food and is excreted into the urine. A decrease in 1,5-AG levels in the body is an indicator of poor glycemic control and can be used to monitor the efficacy of diabetes treatment plans.

Role in Diabetes Monitoring

In individuals without diabetes, the amount of 1,5-AG in the body remains relatively constant. However, in individuals with diabetes, especially those with poorly controlled blood glucose levels, the amount of 1,5-AG excreted in the urine increases, leading to lower levels of 1,5-AG in the blood. Therefore, measuring the level of 1,5-AG in the blood can provide an indication of the average blood glucose level over the previous 1 to 2 weeks.

Clinical Use

The 1,5-AG test is used in conjunction with other tests, such as the HbA1c test, to provide a more complete picture of a patient's glycemic control. The 1,5-AG test can be particularly useful in situations where the HbA1c test may not be reliable, such as in patients with anemia or hemoglobinopathies.

See Also

• Diabetes mellitus
• Glycemic index
• HbA1c