Skin autofluorescence in type 2 diabetes: Beyond blood glucose

Abstract

Background and aim Skin autofluorescence (AF), which has been proposed as a measure of tissue content of advanced glycation end-products, is a predictor of health outcomes in diabetic patients. Aim of this study is the assessment of parameters associated with increased AF in a sample of type 2 diabetic patients. Methods AF was determined in a consecutive series of type 2 diabetic 92 patients aged 69.1 ± 12.4 years. Univariate and multivariate correlations with several clinical and chemical parameters were assessed. Results A significant ( p < 0.01) correlation of AF was found with age ( r = 0.33) and HbA1c ( r = 0.34). After adjusting for age and HbA1c, micro- or macrovascular complications of diabetes were associated with higher AF. Furthermore, a higher AF was found in patients with metabolic syndrome (2.7 ± 1.0 AU versus 2.2 ± 0.7 AU; p < 0.05). Waist circumference, triglyceride, and HDL cholesterol showed a significant correlation with AF after adjustment for age and HbA1c (adj. r = 0.30, 0.29, and −0.27; all p < 0.05). Conclusions Skin autofluorescence in type 2 diabetic patients is associated not only with degree of hyperglycaemia and age, but also with adiposity and metabolic syndrome.