Predictors of Change in Skin Intrinsic Fluorescence in Type 1 Diabetes: The Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study

Background Skin intrinsic fluorescent (SIF) scores are indirect measures of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). SIF scores are cross-sectionally associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) complications such as increased albumin excretion rate (AER), coronary artery calcification (CAC) and neuropathy. We assessed predictors of SIF score change in those with T1D.Methods Data from the 30-year longitudinal Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study of childhood-onset T1D were used to assess AGEs measured with a SIF score produced by the SCOUT DS® device. SIF scores were assessed twice in 83 participants: between 2007-08 and again between 2010-14. Regression analyses were used to assess independent predictors of SIF score changeResults At baseline, mean age was 47.9 ± 6.9 years, diabetes duration was 36.7 ± 6.4 years, and median glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 7.1 (interquartile range: 6.5, 8.5). During a mean follow-up of 5.2 ± 0.9 years, mean change in SIF score was 2.9 ± 2.8 arbitrary units. In multivariable linear regression models, log HbA1c ( P < 0.001), log estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ( P < 0.001), overt nephropathy (defined as AER ≥ 200 µg/min, P = 0.06), and multiple daily insulin shots/pump use (MDI) exposure years ( P = 0.02) were independent predictors of SIF score change.Conclusions Increases in SIF score over 5 years were related to increased glycemic levels and decreased kidney function (eGFR). MDI and glomerular damage were related to a decreased SIF score. This is one of the first studies with repeated SIF assessments in T1D and provides unique, albeit preliminary, insight about these associations.