GlycoMark is a test that measures the levels of 1,5 anhydroglucitol to provide information on recent hyperglycemic spikes for more effective diabetes management.

In the United States alone, almost 30 million people have diabetes. Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. As many as 15% of diabetes patients who are in ‘good control’ of their glycemic levels are hyperglycemic (have elevated glucose levels) and experience high glucose variability. The improved management of hyperglycemic spikes can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.









A common diagnostic test to measure average blood glucose over a two-to-three month period is called A1C. However, the A1C test does not provide a complete picture of glycemic levels and patients who are seemingly meeting their A1C numbers may actually have their low blood sugar readings balancing out their high glucose episodes.

GlycoMark is an FDA-approved non-fasting serum or plasma test, developed by Toyota Tsusho America, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and Nippon Kayaku Co. companies, that has been tested globally in over 40 different clinical trials. Glycomark monitors glucose levels over a two-to-three week period and provides insight into glucose spikes, particularly after large meals.

The GlycoMark test measures a specific type of glucose in the blood called 1,5 anhydroglucitol (1,5 AG). In people without diabetes or diabetics in good control of their glucose levels, 1,5 AG is normally stored in tissues and found in the blood at greater concentrations. When blood sugar levels spike, less 1,5 AG is present because it is eliminated during urination along with excess glucose.

In measuring 1,5 AG and providing data on recent hyperglycemic spikes, GlycoMark can estimate the average daily peak glucose level – information that the A1G test cannot as its results represent a long-term average. The GlycoMark diagnostic test can, therefore, help patients and their health care providers identify episodes of hyperglycemia and, along with the other common glycemic tests, refine individualized treatment plans for improved diabetes management.

Written By: Fiona Wong, PhD







