A system and method for detecting glycation levels within hemoglobin generates a first correlation matrix using a first light beam at a first wavelength passing through a hemoglobin sample. A second correlation matrix is generated using a second light beam at a second wavelength passing through the hemoglobin sample. The first correlation matrix is multiplied by an inverse of the second correlation matrix to obtain a third matrix. A fourth matrix is generated by taking a singular value decomposition of the third matrix. The fourth matrix comprises a unique biomarker for a level of glycation within the hemoglobin sample. The level of glycation within the hemoglobin sample is determined responsive to the fourth matrix and an indicator identifying the determined level of glycation is output.