ASK GINGER: AGEs & Diabetes Complications

Hey Ginger,

I've heard a little bit about Advanced Glycogenated End-Products but I don't really get what they are. My doctor usually only talks about my A1C level and all the complications I could get later on...is it the same thing?

-Steve

Hey Steve,

Your doctor often refers to those horrific diabetic complications we all want to prevent and avoid and live without. Kidney failure. Diabetic retinopathy. Numb fingers and toes and feet because of poor circulation. The list goes on.

Complications are PREVENTABLE. It's up to us. Which is a major responsibility, because at the same, I know I can't keep my blood sugars perfect throughout my whole life, so how can I possibly prevent all these complications?

The American Diabetes Association has an article here explaining that while an A1C less than 7 percent is the best way to prevent complications, even just reducing your current A1C by 1 percent (over a period of time), will reduce your risk for complications by 37%.

You don't need perfect blood sugars to prevent complications.

Meanwhile, we want a better A1C level because this will help prevent the build up of Advanced Glycation End-products.

AGEs develop in EVERYONE, even non-diabetics. They build-up slowly in the form of a sugar-like substance in the bloodstream. For a person with diabetes, the rate at which these AGEs build up will speed up because there is generally more sugar in our blood. The higher your blood sugars are, the more rapidly AGEs are able to develop.

Studies have definitely shown that diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage and severely poor blood flow) is largely the result of AGEs accumulated in the blood. (AGEs can also be formed externally through habits like smoking cigarettes.)

In the end, AGEs hugely lead to diabetic complications. Preventing AGEs includes well-managed blood sugars, a healthier diet (lower glycemic index and less processed foods), and definitely exercise--which will help burn and use the sugar in your blood which will decrease the ability for your body to use that glucose and develop AGEs.

We're always told we need to "control our blood sugars," but the more you can see and understand why your body needs so much attention, the more you may want to stay on top of it! It's a lot of work, and I don't expect perfection!