Skin autofluorescence as tool for cardiovascular and diabetes risk prediction

Abstract

Purpose of review 

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) have an important role in the development of chronic complications in diabetes mellitus and in renal failure. Skin autofluorescence (SAF) is a simple noninvasive optical technique to estimate AGE levels in the dermis. SAF increases with age, but rises more rapidly in diabetes and renal failure, and is also associated with, and a predictor of their complications.

Recent findings 

In recent large population studies, SAF is a strong predictor of development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and in persons with known diabetes of its complications. SAF also predicts new cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality not only in individuals with known type 2 diabetes but also in the general population.

Summary 

SAF is a simple, powerful and independent predictor for development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and also for cardiovascular disease and mortality in both persons with diabetes, and in the general population.