Association between glycation gap and impaired cardiorespiratory fitness: evidence from American adults.

BACKGROUND

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a critical indicator of overall health, while the glycation gap (G-Gap) emerges as a potential novel biomarker for metabolic and cardiovascular risk assessment. However, the relationship between G-Gap and CRF remains incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between glycation gap and impaired CRF, and evaluate its potential as an early health risk indicator.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2004), we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 3,818 adult participants. G-Gap was calculated by standardizing glycated albumin (GA) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, comparing actual and predicted HbA1c values. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed through maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), with impaired CRF defined as performance below the 20th percentile for gender and age-specific thresholds. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed, adjusting for demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

In unadjusted models, For every 1 increase in G-Gap as a continuous variable, the chance of CRF damage increased by 65% (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.29-2.11). After comprehensive covariate adjustment, the association remained statistically significant, with odds ratios of 1.87 (95% CI 1.41-2.49) in partially adjusted and 1.41 (95% CI 1.01-1.98) in fully adjusted models. Quartile analysis revealed significantly higher risks of impaired CRF in the third and fourth G-Gap quartiles compared to the first quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates an association between higher G-Gap values and an increased likelihood of impaired CRF.