Accumulation of advanced glycation end products in the skin is accelerated in relation to insulin resistance in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To evaluate the association between skin advanced glycation end products and insulin resistance in Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS: The study group consisted of 476 people with Type 1 diabetes (247 men) with a median (interquartile range) age of 42 (33-53) years, disease duration of 24 (19-32) years and HbA1c concentration of 63 (55-74) mmol/mol [7.9 (7.2-8.9)%]. Insulin resistance was assessed according to estimated glucose disposal rate. Advanced glycation product accumulation in the skin was measured by autofluorescence using an AGE Reader. The group was divided into three subgroups based on estimated glucose disposal rate quartiles (<5.5, 5.5-9.5 and >9.5 mg/kg/min, respectively). The higher the estimated glucose disposal rate, the lower the insulin resistance.

RESULTS: Skin autofluoresence level decreased with increasing estimated glucose disposal rate; comparing people below the lower quartile, with those between the first and third quartiles, and with those above the third quartile, the median autofluoresences were, respectively: 2.5 (2.2-2.9) vs 2.3 (2.0-2.7) vs 2.1 (1.9-2.5) AU (P<0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between skin autofluorescence and estimated glucose disposal rate (Spearman's correlation coefficient=-0.31, P <0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed a significant, two-way association of insulin resistance with skin autofluorescence.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study offer strong evidence for a two-way relationship between insulin resistance and advanced glycation product accumulation in the skin in people with Type 1 diabetes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.