16: Glycation and Metabolic Syndrome with Dr. Paul Reynolds

In this essential episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Biomedical Scientist—delivers a compelling deep dive into how glycation fuels the development and progression of metabolic syndrome. Moving beyond the basics, Dr. Reynolds connects the dots between this molecular process and the cluster of conditions that dramatically raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Glycation isn’t just an internal quirk of metabolism—it’s a biochemical wrecking ball. Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), those sticky, damaging molecules formed when sugars bind to proteins, fats, and DNA, don’t just signal poor metabolic health—they actively drive it. In this episode, Dr. Reynolds reveals how AGEs stiffen arteries, distort cholesterol particles, disrupt insulin signaling, and trigger chronic inflammation and oxidative stress—creating a perfect storm for metabolic decline.

Using decades of peer-reviewed science, Dr. Reynolds explains how endogenous AGEs (formed inside the body) and exogenous AGEs (from our diets) work together to accelerate insulin resistance, visceral fat accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance. You’ll discover how high-heat cooking, processed snacks, and sugar-heavy diets flood the body with glycotoxins—and how strategic food preparation, balanced meals, and physical activity can break the cycle.

Topics Covered:
-The science of glycation and AGE formation
-How AGEs drive every aspect of metabolic syndrome
-The vicious cycle of high blood sugar and glycation
-Dietary sources of AGEs and how to reduce them
-The role of inflammation, oxidative stress, and RAGE activation
-How glycation damages the pancreas, mitochondria, and blood vessels
-Lifestyle strategies to lower AGE load and protect metabolic health

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Glycation & Metabolic Syndrome
00:36 – What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
01:15 – Core Components of Metabolic Syndrome
01:59 – Glycation Explained (Sticky Sugars & Proteins)
02:37 – AGEs, RAGE, and Chronic Inflammation
03:17 – How AGEs Drive Metabolic Syndrome
03:56 – AGEs and Blood Vessel Damage
04:38 – Glycation and Insulin Resistance
05:19 – Vicious Cycle: High Blood Sugar & Glycation
05:59 – AGEs and Diabetic Vascular Injury
06:40 – Inflammation Cascade & Insulin Dysfunction
07:22 – Visceral Fat, Pancreas Damage, and AGEs
08:02 – Dietary AGEs: Fried & Processed Foods
08:42 – Low-AGE Diet Benefits
09:26 – Glycation, Mitochondria, and Oxidative Stress
10:10 – Breaking the Cycle: Blood Sugar Control
10:45 – Intermittent Fasting & Balanced Meals
11:27 – Exercise, GLUT4, and Mitochondrial Health
12:09 – Cooking Methods & Reducing Dietary AGEs
12:53 – AGEs as Disease Mediators
13:32 – Awareness & Action for Better Metabolic Health

Whether you’re aiming to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, or protect long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health, this lecture offers both the science and the practical tools to make real change—starting with your plate, your habits, and your daily movement.

About Dr. Paul Reynolds
Dr. Reynolds is a dedicated educator and biomedical scientist, known for translating complex molecular biology into actionable, real-world strategies. Through his College of Glycation series, he equips viewers with the knowledge to combat the silent molecular damage that fuels aging and chronic disease.

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