AKR1B1 and diabetes mellitus: The glyoxalase and other aldehyde removal systems (e.g. aldose reductase and 2-oxoaldehyde dehydrogenase [11]) are not completely effective, with elevated levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs - a heterogeneous group of compounds formed on reaction of glucose and aldehydes with nucleophiles present on DNA and proteins [3]) detected in organs and tissues that are affected by diabetes (reviewed [12]).