Serum 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol assay by high performance anion exchange chromatography

Serum 1,5-anhydroglucitol (AG) concentrations may be an indicator of glycaemic control in diabetic patients. We have therefore developed an HPLC method for assay of serum AG. Serum samples were de-proteinised with trichloroacetic acid and neutralised with the addition of an anion exchange resin. Erythritol was added to serum as an internal standard. For HPLC, CarboPac MA1 ion exchange columns were used, eluting with 80 mmol/l sodium hydroxide solution. Peak detection was by pulsed amperometry using a gold electrode. The serum AG concentration in 37 non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients was significantly lower than in 28 normal subjects: mean and range 19(4-163) vs. 134(92-203) mumol/l, P < 0.001.