Glycation is a non-enzymatic process where reducing sugars react with free amino groups on DNA bases, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This cross-linking produces fundamental lesions in biological systems and can increase oxidative stress through adducts like carboxymethyldeoxyguanosine and glyoxalated deoxycytidine. The presence of AGEs on DNA can lead to transpositional rearrangements and is associated with mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. AGEs also contribute to diseases of aging and diabetes like atherosclerosis and kidney and neurological problems. Depletion of antioxidants allows more glucose and its derivatives to bind to DNA, increasing glycation.