Musculoskeletal Physiology and Glycation

In this episode of the College of Glycation, Dr. Paul Reynolds, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, explores how glycation and chronic inflammation undermine the musculoskeletal system—one of the body’s most critical drivers of movement, strength, and metabolic health. Beginning with normal muscle and bone physiology, Dr. Reynolds explains why skeletal muscle serves as the body’s primary glucose sink and how impaired glucose handling accelerates glycation, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and age-related muscle loss.The episode also examines bone and connective tissues, highlighting how glycation of long-lived collagen degrades tissue quality rather than density, increasing fracture risk, joint degeneration, and tendon injury—especially in diabetes and aging. Drawing from mechanistic and clinical research, Dr. Reynolds reveals how AGE accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation create reinforcing cycles that drive sarcopenia, frailty, osteoarthritis, and metabolic decline. The discussion closes by emphasizing why exercise—particularly resistance training—is one of the most powerful tools for countering glycation, preserving musculoskeletal integrity, and maintaining long-term metabolic resilience.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)