Computer models of albumin and haemoglobin glycation

Two first-order mathematical models were developed to mimic the glycation of haemoglobin (H) and albumin (A). The total concentrations of A and H were assumed to be constant. The responses of the two models to varying blood glucose level were compared. The parameters of the haemoglobin model were not numerically estimated, only an informal fit was performed using clinical and published data. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to estimate the parameters of the albumin model. The level of glycated A (GA) was derived from the measured fructosamine level. Three diabetics were monitored daily for the level of fructosamine and blood glucose profile over a period of 10, 16 and 21 days, respectively.

(1) The difference between GA and glycated H (GH) resulting from different elimination rates is decreased by the stratification of erythrocyte population. (2) Both GA and GH seem to have higher elimination rates than their nonglycated equivalents.