* Impaired Glucose Tolerance

The term borderline diabetes has been used to describe this. Many will vehemently cry that surely you either have diabetes or you do not; unfortunately there is a grey area e.g. of TILT-Syndrome. (Sugar is usually and primarily an industrial chemical)

When blood glucose level is high˛, excess glucose may be channelled into chemical reactions that wouldn't normally occur. One of the most important of these is the binding of glucose to proteins, forming what are known as 'AGEs' (Advanced Glycosylation Endproducts). This happens over a period of time and depends on (A) the protein involved and (B) how long the prevailing blood glucose level is high.

This reaction of glucose with our proteins actually forms the basis of a blood test which gives an indication of how well a patients blood glucose has been controlled. Glucose reacts with haemoglobin (the red oxygen-carrying molecules in blood) forming glycated haemoglobin or HbA1c. The level of HbA1c is related to the overall blood glucose control in the previous few weeks.

Often, when glucose reacts with our protein, the properties of the proteins are affected. We have a great number of proteins in our bodies and most of these are potentially at risk of being altered by glycosylation. The problem though, is that it doesn't stop there. Once altered, these proteins may start a series of damaging reactions (ein Schelm, der an Prionen oder Denaturierung denkt).

Most of the complications outlined above are the consequence of damage to blood vessels. AGEs may contribute to this in a number of ways:

AGEs are able to cross-link with each other and with other proteins causing cell membranes to become thickened and damaged. This will alter how the cell reacts to other cells and chemical messengers in its environment. AGEs are able to trigger a series of events which would normally only occur if the vessel wall was damaged. This can lead to deposits of fibrous and fatty material. Blood vessels normally relax and contract depending on blood flow and other factors. AGEs can hinder the relaxation which means that vessels may be constricted or narrower than they should be, and so on.

Finally, AGEs may be broken down in the body, but this process in itself can lead to the release of toxic products.

What happens - when our HeatShockProteins (one day) will be glycosylated ?