1,5-AG

☑️  Description

1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), a glucose-like sugar found in most foods.  1,5-AG is an adjunctive test that is supported by over 500 studies just for its use in glycemic control, and is the ONLY marker specific to recent hyperglycemia and hyperglycemic excursions.1,5-Anhydroglucitol, also known as 1,5-AG, is a naturally occurring monosaccharide found in nearly all foods. Blood concentrations of 1,5-anhydroglucitol decrease during times of hyperglycemia above 180 mg/dL, and return to normal levels after approximately 2 weeks in the absence of hyperglycemia. As a result, it can be used for people with either type-1 or type-2 diabetes mellitus to identify glycemic variability or a history of high blood glucose even if current glycemic measurements such as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and blood glucose monitoring have near normal values.

☑️  How Does it Work?

When blood glucose is well-controlled, glucose and 1,5-AG circulate in the bloodstream.  The molecules are filtered by the kidneys and reabsorbed by the body. Urinary 1,5-AG is equal to the ingested 1,5-AG.

When glucose exceeds the renal threshold (>180 mg/dL*), glycosuria blocks reabsorption of 1,5-AG.  1,5-AG is excreted in the urine resulting in lower 1,5-AG levels.

The 1,5-AG test measures 1,5-AG from a serum or EDTA plasma blood sample.

Glycemic excursions (temporary increases in blood glucose) are associated with health complications. Standard tests for diabetes (e.g. random blood sugar and HbA1c) do not test for these excursions despite their association with several health complications. 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is a validated indicator of glucose excursions in addition to short-term (1-2 weeks) hyperglycemia.

☑️  The 1,5-AG Test:

Detects recent hyperglycemia and hyperglycemic excursions.

Reveals improving or worsening glycemic control for the prior one to two weeks.

Is independently associated with increased rates of diabetes complications.

Identifies patients that may benefit from closer diabetes management.

Is a non-fasting blood test that complements A1C.