The College of Glycation is an educational video series dedicated to helping viewers understand one of the most critical and often overlooked processes in human biology: glycation. Led by Dr. Paul Reynolds, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, this series explores how sugar interacts with proteins and fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). These compounds accelerate aging, contribute to chronic diseases, and play a key role in metabolic dysfunction. Each video is designed to break down complex topics into clear, practical insights. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or simply someone seeking to improve your health, this series will give you a deeper understanding of the biological roots of inflammation, insulin resistance, and cellular damage—and what you can do to address them.
Curated by: PaulReynoldsPhD (74 videos)
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. #metabolism #metabolicsyndrome #insulinresistance #diabetes #obesity #Glycation #AGEs #inflammation #OxidativeStress #ROS #Redox #CollegeOfGlycation #Ketodiet #LowCarb #InsulinResistance #HealthyAging #SugarDamage #HealthyLiving #KetoDiet #LowCarb #HealthPodcast #AntiAging #Nutrition #BiomedicalScience #BloodSugar #Wellness #HealthTips #SciencePodcast #HealthyEating #CellularHealth #Keto #KetoCommunity Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/C63EE3 Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, elecrolytes, hydration, pre-workout and more. Go to https://redmond.life and use PAULSALT for 15% discount. Paul’s favorite exogenous ketones: A high-quality option is the NSF-certified goBHB from Clean Form Nutrition, where you can use the code Paul10 for a 10% discount: https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb Paul’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: PAUL20) Paul’s favorite health check-up for men or women: https://blokes.co/DRPAUL (discount: DRPAUL for 50% off of labs and smart supplements and 15% off all other products)