Nonenzymatic glucosylation of serum proteins in diabetes mellitus

Authors:
  • KMK. F. McFarland
    K. F. McFarland
  • ECEdward W Catalano
    Edward W Catalano
  • JDJames F Day
    James F Day
  • STSuzanne R Thorpe
    Suzanne R Thorpe
  • JBJohn W Baynes
    John W Baynes
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Abstract
The extent of nonenzymatic glucosylation of serum protein in control and diabetic subjects was measured by a chemical procedure using thiobarbituric acid. A mean value of 0.81 (±0.21 SD) nmol glucose per milligram serum protein was observed in the control group. Diabetics displayed elevated levels of glucosylated serum proteins, up to 4 nmol glucose per milligram protein. Glucosylation of serum protein correlated strongly with fasting blood sugar ( r = 0.71), percent hemoglobin A1 ( r = 0.79), and percent glucosylated albumin ( r = 0.99). There was no overlap between control and diabetic groups, i.e., within 3 SD of the mean of controls. These studies indicate that the assay for glucosylated serum protein appears to be an especially sensitive indicator of the degree of hyperglycemia in diabetes.

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