New AGE

Cooked foods containing sugar and fats are high in the sugar-protein complexes known as advanced glycation endproducts (AGE), which studies show are the best clinical correlate of disease progression in diabetes patients, and were more predictive of complications than control glucose. 

AGE are already made in the body as part of irreversible glycation process (proteins linked to sugar molecules), however eating goods high in AGE may overburden kidneys which are physiologically less able to the clear excess. Increasingly we are eating significant amounts of these cooked proteins and very highly processed sugars. 

Studies of patients with renal impairment show eating low-AGE diet improves prognosis and markers of renal function. In obese poulations, the low-AGE diet reduced markers of inflammation, which are thought to contribute to insulin resisistance.

Foods to avoid were cooked foods high in processed sugar and fat, including fast foods, dairy products, chocolate, and fried or browner meat. A totally vegetarian diet was not recommended, but meat should be dry-fried or roasted with as little browning as possible.

 

Medical Observer, December 2009 (Carolyn Alexander)