Skin autofluorescence as tool for cardiovascular and diabetes risk prediction

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. 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.

Automated summary

This review examines the role of skin autofluorescence (SAF) in the development of complications in diabetes and renal failure. It suggests that SAF is not only a strong predictor of type 2 diabetes development and complications, but also predicts cardiovascular disease and mortality in both individuals with diabetes and the general population.