Blood and Immune System Physiology and Glycation

In this episode of the College of Glycation, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—explores the blood and immune system to reveal how glycation and chronic hyperglycemia disrupt immunity, oxygen delivery, and inflammation control. Moving beyond the idea of blood sugar as a passive biomarker, Dr. Reynolds explains how glycation actively alters hemoglobin, stiffens red blood cells, and accelerates cellular aging, while simultaneously impairing the metabolic flexibility of immune cells. The result is a paradoxical state of chronic inflammation paired with weakened defense against infection.Drawing on peer-reviewed research, this episode connects metabolic dysfunction to real-world disease outcomes, including increased infection risk, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, and impaired wound healing. By unpacking how AGEs, immune cell metabolism, and inflammatory signaling intersect, Dr. Reynolds shows why metabolic health is foundational to immune resilience and healthy aging—and why reducing glycation isn’t just about improving lab numbers, but restoring the body’s capacity to defend, repair, and heal.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)