Enhanced nonenzymatic glucosylation of human serum albumin in diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

Use of an ion exchange chromatographic method and a colorimetric method with thiobarbituric acid showed that levels of nonenzymatically glucosylated serum albumin were increased in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus compared to controls. The 2 methods correlated well (r [correlation coefficient] = 0.99) and clearly discriminated between normal and poorly controlled diabetic populations. The levels of glycosylated Hb were also measured in both populations. Several patients apparently in good control based on glycosylated Hb measurements had increased levels of glucosylated albumin. Because albumin has a shorter circulating half-life than does the human erythrocyte, the plasma concentration of glucosylated albumin should be expected to reflect short-term control of hyperglycemia in diabetes. The level of glucosylated albumin may indeed be a sensitive indicator of moderate hyperglycemia and of early glucose intolerance.