The Clinical Application of Skin Autofluorescence: An Indicator of Glycemic Control and Diabetic Nephropathy Progression

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide, which exacerbates under poorly controlled hyperglycemia. However, the current methods in monitoring long-term glycemic control and predicting the progression of renal complications are still limited due to the relatively quick turnover rate. Skin autofluorescence has been increasingly recognized as a convenient and stable marker in reflecting the development of diabetic complications. Compared with current parameters, skin autofluorescence can better represent the previous glycemic control in a long period of time. In addition, the strong correlation between skin autofluorescence and future impairment of renal function draws special attention. This review focuses on the recent clinical trials concerning the application of skin autofluorescence in reflecting overall AGEs accumulation and predicting the progression of diabetic nephropathy.