Skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels, especially in children with type 1 diabetes

BackgroundThis study examines the correlation between skin autofluorescence (SAF) and blood glucose levels, emphasizing the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). We hypothesize that SAF levels are closely linked to type 1 diabetes complications in children. The aim is to evaluate S...

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Main Authors: Tinghan Deng, Jingping Wu, Hongbin Cheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-06-01
Series:Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590288/full
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author Tinghan Deng
Jingping Wu
Hongbin Cheng
author_facet Tinghan Deng
Jingping Wu
Hongbin Cheng
author_sort Tinghan Deng
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundThis study examines the correlation between skin autofluorescence (SAF) and blood glucose levels, emphasizing the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). We hypothesize that SAF levels are closely linked to type 1 diabetes complications in children. The aim is to evaluate SAF’s relationship with type 1 diabetes progression in children and its potential as a non-invasive tool for disease detection and monitoring complications. The research was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021284774).MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis by extracting studies from databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. A random effects model was used to assess if SAF measurement could serve as a non-invasive marker for type 1 diabetes and its complications. SAF values were compared between children with type 1 diabetes and controls, calculating the mean difference and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThe analysis included three case-control studies and one retrospective cohort study, all using the AGE Reader® (DiagnOptics Technologies). Data analysis showed significant heterogeneity (I² = 82%, P < 0.05). The random effects model revealed a positive correlation between higher SAF levels and type 1 diabetes in children [mean difference = 0.20 (0.16, 0.25)], indicating elevated SAF in diabetic children compared to non-diabetic peers.ConclusionThis research supports SAF measurement as a non-invasive indicator for type 1 diabetes and its complications in children. However, further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed for definitive conclusions and detailed insights into complications. Additionally, the skin’s multifaceted roles require further investigation.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021284774.
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spelling doaj-art-d7c192444db049f9ba3d7dc0291024552025-08-20T03:27:58ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare2673-66162025-06-01610.3389/fcdhc.2025.15902881590288Skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels, especially in children with type 1 diabetesTinghan Deng0Jingping Wu1Hongbin Cheng2Clinical Research on Skin Diseases, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaDepartment of Medical Cosmetology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaDermatology of Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaBackgroundThis study examines the correlation between skin autofluorescence (SAF) and blood glucose levels, emphasizing the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). We hypothesize that SAF levels are closely linked to type 1 diabetes complications in children. The aim is to evaluate SAF’s relationship with type 1 diabetes progression in children and its potential as a non-invasive tool for disease detection and monitoring complications. The research was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021284774).MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis by extracting studies from databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. A random effects model was used to assess if SAF measurement could serve as a non-invasive marker for type 1 diabetes and its complications. SAF values were compared between children with type 1 diabetes and controls, calculating the mean difference and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThe analysis included three case-control studies and one retrospective cohort study, all using the AGE Reader® (DiagnOptics Technologies). Data analysis showed significant heterogeneity (I² = 82%, P < 0.05). The random effects model revealed a positive correlation between higher SAF levels and type 1 diabetes in children [mean difference = 0.20 (0.16, 0.25)], indicating elevated SAF in diabetic children compared to non-diabetic peers.ConclusionThis research supports SAF measurement as a non-invasive indicator for type 1 diabetes and its complications in children. However, further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed for definitive conclusions and detailed insights into complications. Additionally, the skin’s multifaceted roles require further investigation.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021284774.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590288/fullskin autofluorescencediabetes mellituschildrendiagnosismeta-analysis
spellingShingle Tinghan Deng
Jingping Wu
Hongbin Cheng
Skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels, especially in children with type 1 diabetes
Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare
skin autofluorescence
diabetes mellitus
children
diagnosis
meta-analysis
title Skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels, especially in children with type 1 diabetes
title_full Skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels, especially in children with type 1 diabetes
title_fullStr Skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels, especially in children with type 1 diabetes
title_full_unstemmed Skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels, especially in children with type 1 diabetes
title_short Skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels, especially in children with type 1 diabetes
title_sort skin autofluorescence is associated with blood glucose levels especially in children with type 1 diabetes
topic skin autofluorescence
diabetes mellitus
children
diagnosis
meta-analysis
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590288/full
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