15-anhydroglucitol (15-AG) is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in the body. It is used as a marker to evaluate recent glucose variability, which can provide insights into a person's blood sugar control over time. Measuring 15-AG levels can help health professionals understand how well a person's diabetes management is working, especially in the short term.
This marker matters for health because it offers a different perspective on blood sugar levels compared to traditional tests. While many blood glucose tests focus on long-term averages, 15-AG can reveal fluctuations that occur over shorter periods. Understanding these variations is important for individuals with diabetes, as it can help guide better treatment decisions and lifestyle adjustments.
In the body, 15-AG functions by competing with glucose for reabsorption in the kidneys. When blood sugar levels are high, 15-AG levels tend to decrease because it is excreted more in the urine. Thus, measuring 15-AG can provide valuable information about recent spikes or drops in glucose levels, which is crucial for effective diabetes management.
Overall, 15-anhydroglucitol serves as a useful tool for healthcare providers to assess blood sugar control and make informed recommendations for their patients. Its role in monitoring glucose variability helps ensure that individuals with diabetes can maintain their health and reduce risks associated with fluctuating blood sugar levels.