Metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with impaired fasting glucose: the 100 versus 110 mg/dL threshold

BACKGROUND: In 2003, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) established a new cutoff for impaired fasting glucose (IFG) by reducing it from 110 to 100 mg/dL. This change was challenged as to its appropriateness. A few studies have examined the impact of the ADA(2003) threshold of IFG on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: We examined whether metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, including inflammatory biomarkers, differ in subjects with the new ADA(2003) threshold of IFG (IGF100) as compared with subjects with the old ADA(1997) threshold of IFG (IFG110) in a cohort of 946 nondiabetic Italian Caucasians (fasting plasma glucose < 126 mg/dL). RESULTS: As compared with normal fasting glucose (NFG), subjects with IFG100 and IFG110 had higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting and 2-h post-challenge plasma glucose, fasting insulin, systolic blood pressure, and lower levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). In a logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and gender, IFG110 was associated with higher risk of post-challenge glucose intolerance as compared with IFG100. As compared with IFG100, subjects with IFG110 have significantly lower levels of circulating IGF-I. As compared with NFG, IFG110, but not IFG100, showed a significant association with increased levels of inflammatory markers including white blood cell count (WBCC), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Both CRP and WBCC were correlated with 2-h plasma glucose but not with fasting plasma glucose (FPG). CONCLUSIONS: The data show that IFG110 is associated with a worse metabolic and cardiovascular risk profile as compared with IFG100.     

青少年空腹血糖受损相关危险因素分析

目的探讨青少年空腹血糖受损（IFG）的相关危险因素。方法秦皇岛地区一项3937名13-18岁青少年的横断面调查。根据空腹血糖分为空腹血糖正常组和空腹血糖受损组（IFG组）。测量身高、体重、腰围、血压、TG、TC、HDL-C、LDL-C水平。结果共检出IFG136例（3.5%）,男女IFG检出率分别为3.9%和3.1%,两性间比较无统计学差异（P=0.177）。IFG组具有2项以上心血管危险因素的危险性是空腹血糖正常组青少年的1.889倍（95%CI1.125-3.171）。IFG组45.6%存在糖尿病家族史。多元逐步回归显示年龄、腰围、胆固醇均为独立影响因素。结论青少年群体中IFG相当多见,并已开始导致心血管危险因素聚集。遗传因素、腹型肥胖及脂代谢异常是IFG的危险因素。     

Metabolic characteristics and insulin resistance of impaired fasting glucose among the middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG), a newly defined category of glycemic metabolism, has gained extensive attentions after the introduction of the diagnostic criteria of diabetes mellitus (DM) by the American Diabetes Association. To explore the metabolic characteristics of IFG, we conducted this prospective community-based study among people aged more than 40 years residing in three major townships of I-Lan, an agricultural county in Taiwan. People attending the annual health examinations in community health stations were recruited for study. Experienced research staff recorded the past medical history, performed comprehensive physical examinations, and drew blood for further laboratory tests for each subject. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), and the renal hemodynamics was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In total, 824 subjects (mean age=64.4+/-11.3 years, M:F=366:458) participated this study, the overall prevalence of DM was 15.3% (8.7% previously undiagnosed), and the prevalence of IFG was 7.2%. Lipid profiles including serum levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride of subjects with IFG were basically indistinguishable from subjects with DM. Insulin resistance was significantly associated with the progression of glycemic metabolism (HOMA-IR of subjects with normal fasting glucose, IFG, and DM were 1.12+/-1.24, 1.88+/-1.64, 4.47+/-5.12, P<0.001). However, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was similar among subjects of IFG and DM (86.4 versus 85.6%). The prevalence of overt proteinuria was significantly increased as the glycemic metabolism progressed. The mean GFR was slightly increased in subjects with IFG, which may represent hyperfiltration in this category. In conclusion, metabolic characteristics of IFG were complex. Lipid profile and prevalence of metabolic syndrome of IFG were indistinguishable from DM, but renal hemodynamics and prevalence of overt proteinuria were intermediate between NFG and DM. To prevent or delay the onset of type 2 DM, aggressive lifestyle modifications should be engaged in our clinical practice for subjects with IFG.     

Nontraditional atherosclerotic risk factors and extent of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with combined impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance

Partially inconsistent data exist on mutual relations between nontraditional atherosclerotic risk factors, including the magnitude of insulin resistance (IR), as well as on their relevance for atherogenesis in the metabolic syndrome. Subjects exhibiting combined impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance (IFG/IGT) are exposed to an exceptionally high risk for atherogenesis and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Because of islet Beta-cell dysfunction, the usefulness of commonly used indices of IR is limited in IFG/IGT. Our aim was to assess the relationship between extent of angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) and nontraditional atherosclerotic risk factors (including IR by a clamp-based golden standard method) in IFG/IGT. Fifty-three subjects (32 men, 21 women; mean age, 55 +/- 11 years) with stable angina, preserved left ventricular systolic function, and IFG/IGT were divided into 3 groups: group A (no coronary stenoses >50%, n = 22), group B (1-vessel CAD, n = 15), and group C (2/3-vessel CAD, n = 16). Insulin sensitivity was quantified by a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique and expressed as M. M value, plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level, and asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA)/L-arginine ratio were independent determinants of CAD extent as shown by forward stepwise discriminant function analysis. Compared with group A (M = 32.7 +/- 9.3 micromol/kg fat-free mass [FFM] per minute; Hcy, 8.1 +/- 1.4 micromol/L), lower M and higher Hcy levels were found in group B (M = 16.9 +/- 8.2 micromol/kg FFM per minute, P < .001; Hcy, 11.2 +/- 2.9 micromol/L, P = .003) and C (M = 16.4 +/- 7.8 micromol/kg FFM per minute, P < .001; Hcy, 12.8 +/- 3.9 micromol/L, P < .001). The ADMA/L-arginine ratio was increased in group C (0.0078 +/- 0.0011) compared with group A (0.0063 +/- 0.0013, P = .03) and B (0.0058 +/- 0.0012, P = .01). Multivariate correlates (P < .05) of plasma Hcy concentrations were M (beta = -.34 +/- .12, P = .008), creatinine clearance (beta = -.23 +/- .10, P = .03) and fasting insulin (beta = .25 +/- .12, P = .04). This indicates an additive contribution of IR, plasma Hcy, and elevated ADMA/L-arginine ratio to the extent of angiographic CAD in combined IFG/IGT.     

Prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and analysis of risk factors in Han adolescents

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors in Han adolescents aged 13 to 18 years.MethodsStep 1: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 3937 Han adolescents. IFG was defined as a fasting glucose of 5.6 to 7.0 mmol/l. Measurements included anthropometric measurements, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum lipids. Step 2: We identified 60 adolescents with IFG from the IFG group using a random number table, and 60 adolescents with normal fasting glucose (NFG) were matched for age and gender with the random IFG sample. Serum true insulin (TI) was further measured.Results(1) The prevalence of IFG was 3.5% and was similar in boys and girls (3.9% vs. 3.1%, P=.177). The prevalence of IFG in adolescents with a family history of type 2 diabetes (FHD) was higher than in adolescents without FHD (6.3% vs. 2.5%, P=.000). (2) In logistic regression, the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents with IFG was 1.889 (95% CI: 1.125–3.171, P=.016) times compared with adolescents with NFG adjusted by age and gender. (3) Multiple linear regression analysis using FPG as the dependent variable showed that waist circumference (β=0.003, P=.000) was a significant independent predictor. (4) In Step 2, the IFG group showed significantly higher levels of lnTI and lnHOMA-IR than the NFG group (P<.01). FPG was a significant independent predictor for lnTI (β=0.478, P=.000) and lnHOMA-IR (β=0.671, P=.000).ConclusionWe found a high prevalence of IFG in Han adolescents. Genetic susceptibility and abdominal obesity were the main factors causing adolescent IFG. Adolescents with IFG increased the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors.     

空腹血糖受损、糖耐量受损人群3年自然转归及其影响因素的研究

目的 探讨空腹血糖受损(IFG)、糖耐量受损(IGT)人群发生糖尿病的危险性及其影响因素. 方法对2003年4～6月朝阳市市区居民1 062人糖尿病普查中IFG、IGT患者79人于2006年4～6月进行随访调查.测量身高、体重、腰围、血压,做过夜空腹75g葡萄糖耐量试验,同时测定血总胆固醇(TC),甘油三酯(TG),高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C).结果 随访的65人中22人发生糖尿病.其中孤立性IFG(I-IFG)糖尿病转变率为10.8%,孤立性IGT(I-IGT)为9.2%, IFG/IGT为10.4%.在不同的年龄组,随着年龄增长糖代谢异常、高血压、肥胖、脂代谢异常有增加趋势,在40岁以上人群糖代谢异常的患病率有明显增加趋势.进行单因素相关分析结果发现血糖升高可能与增龄、糖尿病(DM)家族史、劳动强度、腰围指数(WC)增加、收缩压(SBP)增加、血脂异常等相关.进行Logistic回归分析,高龄、血压升高、中心性肥胖、体力活动强度减弱均为糖尿病危险因素.结论 I-IGT、IGT/IFG人群糖尿病累计发病率明显高于I-IFG人群.增龄、向心性肥胖、高血压、体力活动减少是糖代谢异常的重要危险因素,因此控制血压、体重,增加体力活动,对糖尿病预防具有重要意义.     

Prevalence and predictive factors of diabetes in hepatitis virus positive liver cirrhosis with fasting plasma glucose level of <126 mg/dL

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictive factors of diabetes in hepatitis virus positive liver cirrhotic patients with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of <126 mg/dL. Methods: A total of 263 patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive liver cirrhosis, FPG level of <126 mg/dL, and had diabetes status evaluated by the use of 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), were enrolled in this study. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were analyzed periodically for 3 h after oral glucose loading. Diabetes was defined as a 2‐h post‐load glucose on the OGTT of ≥200 mg/dL. The prevalence of diabetes by use of OGTT and predictive factors for diabetes were evaluated by the use of the Mann–Whitney U‐test, Fisher's exact probability test or multivariate analysis by logistic regression. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin level of <3.9 g/dL. Elevated indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG _R15) was regarded as ≥ 25%. Results: Out of 263 patients, 44 (16.7%) were diagnosed as having diabetes. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes occurred when patients had hypoalbuminemia of <3.9 g/dL (odds ratio [OR] 2.33; 95% confidential interval [CI] = 1.04–5.24; P = 0.040) and ICG _R15 of <25% (OR 2.36; 95%CI = 1.01–5.58). Conclusions: Hypoalbuminemia and elevated ICG _R15 in hepatitis virus related cirrhotic patients with FPG level of <126 mg/day enhance diabetes pattern after OGTT with significant difference.     

Psychosocial factors are independent risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes in Japanese workers with impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance1

Aims We prospectively studied Japanese workers with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and analysed possible risk factors for diabetes, including psychosocial factors such as stress. Methods The participants were 128 male Japanese company employees (mean age, 49.3 ± 5.9 years) with IFG and/or IGT diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Participants were prospectively studied for 5 years with annual OGTTs. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox's proportional hazard model were used to analyse the incidence of diabetes and the factors affecting glucose tolerance, including anthropometric, biochemical and social–psychological factors. Results Of 128 participants, 36 (28.1%) developed diabetes and 39 (30.5%) returned to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during a mean follow‐up of 3.2 years. Independent risk factors for diabetes were night duty [hazard ratio (HR) = 5.48, P = 0.002], higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels within 6.1–6.9 mmol/l (HR = 1.05, P = 0.031), stress (HR = 3.81, P = 0.037) and administrative position (HR = 12.70, P = 0.045), while independent factors associated with recovery were lower FPG levels (HR = 0.94, P = 0.017), being a white‐collar worker (HR = 0.34, P = 0.033), non‐smoking (HR = 0.31, P = 0.040) and lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (HR = 0.97, P = 0.042). Conclusions In addition to FPG levels at baseline, psychosocial factors (night duty, stress and administrative position) are risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, while being a white‐collar worker, a non‐smoker and lower serum ALT levels are factors associated with return to NGT in Japanese workers with IFG and/or IGT.     

空腹血糖受损患者糖耐量异常及影响因素分析

目的了解空腹血糖受损(IFG)患者糖耐量异常(IGT)情况及其影响因素。方法纳入空腹血糖为5.6~6.1 mmol/L的IFG患者337例,检测患者口服75克葡萄糖后2小时血糖等资料,分析患者IGT情况及其影响因素。结果纳入的337例IFG患者中46.6%(157/337)伴有IGT。口服葡萄糖耐量异常和正常组超重和肥胖率分别为75.0%和63.1%(P0.05);口服葡萄糖耐量异常组甘油三酯水平显著高于正常组,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平低于正常组,均有统计学差异(P0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,年龄、体重指数、甘油三酯水平是IFG患者葡萄糖耐量异常的影响因素,相对危险分别为:1.06(95%CI:1.03~1.08);1.11(95%CI:1.05~119);1.58(95%CI:1.23~2.09)。进一步对体重正常者发生糖耐量异常的影响因素进行分析,除年龄外,甘油三酯水平是空腹血糖受损患者糖耐量异常的影响因素,相对危险为2.10(95%CI:1.29~3.43)。结论空腹血糖受损患者约半数伴有糖耐量异常,体重指数和甘油三酯水平是空腹血糖受损患者糖耐量异常的影响因素。     

Metabolic inflexibility is a common feature of impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance

Metabolic flexibility reflects the ability to switch from lipid to carbohydrate oxidation during insulin stimulation. Impaired metabolic flexibility is related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, but whether metabolic flexibility is impaired in individuals with the pre-diabetic states isolated impaired fasting glycaemia (i-IFG) and isolated impaired glucose tolerance (i-IGT) is unknown. Using the gold standard euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique combined with indirect calorimetry, we measured peripheral insulin sensitivity, lipid and glucose oxidation, and thus metabolic flexibility in 66 individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 20), i-IFG (n = 18) and i-IGT (n = 28). During insulin stimulation, individuals with i-IGT displayed reduced insulin sensitivity including reduced glucose oxidation. Interestingly, those with i-IFG exhibited reduced glucose oxidation and a slightly elevated lipid oxidation rate during insulin infusion despite having normal total peripheral glucose disposal. Thus, metabolic flexibility was significantly reduced in individuals with both i-IFG and i-IGT even after adjustment for BMI and insulin sensitivity. The data indicate that metabolic inflexibility may precede the development of overt peripheral insulin resistance in pre-diabetic individuals. However, prospective studies are needed to confirm this notion.     

空腹血糖受损人群自然转归及其影响因素的观察

目的 探讨开滦研究中IFG人群的自然转归及其影响因素。方法采用前瞻性队列研究,对FPG6．1～7．0mmol／L且无糖尿病史的IFG人群,随访2年。结果（1）最终共纳入IFG者5562例,随访2年后2985例（53．7％）血糖降至正常,1305例（23．5％）仍为IFG,1272例（22．90A）诊断为糖尿病;（2）分别以血糖转为正常或进展为糖尿病为因变量,以各危险因素作为自变量行多因素Logistic回归分析,结果显示年龄、BMI、WHR、SBP、LDL-C水平是进展为糖尿病的危险因素。结论IFG人群约22．9％进展为糖尿病。年龄、BMI、WHR、LDL-C水平是进展为糖尿病的危险因素。     

空腹血糖受损人群高血压伴随状况及危险因素分析

目的 探讨IFG人群高血压(HP)伴随状况及相关危险因素. 方法 对3828名40岁以上汉族居民进行横断面调查,分析筛查出的IFG者血压异常状况及相关危险因素. 结果 在该人群中,HP的患病率为32.03％,男性(35.42％)高于女性(29.84％)(P＜0.05);高血压前期(PHP)患病率为47.55％,男性(52.50％)高于女性(44.35％)(P＜0.05).Logistic回归分析显示,IFG人群血压升高的危险因素为HP家族史、WC、TC升高和HDL-C降低. 结论 IFG阶段HP和PHP总患病率为79.58％,其危险因素主要是向心性肥胖和血脂代谢紊乱.     

Effects of supervised exercise on gamma-glutamyl transferase levels in patients with isolated impaired fasting glucose and those with impaired fasting glucose plus impaired glucose tolerance

To study the effects of a supervised exercise program on serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in pre-diabetic patients with isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and those with IFG plus impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).Out of 60 pre-diabetic patients (30 with isolated IFG and 30 with IFG?+?IGT) 24 were randomly assigned to the supervised exercise program (1?h twice a week) and 36 only obtained counselling on the risk of diabetes and its prevention. Patients have been followed over a 12-month period.The main findings were that patients with IFG?+?IGT had increased GGT levels at baseline (49.2±27.4?U/L) compared to subjects with isolated IFG (28.1±21.9?U/L) (p<0.01), and that GGT levels improved only after the supervised exercise intervention within the IFG?+?IGT subjects (?-?17.7±19.6?U/L). Similarly, baseline triglyceride levels were also higher in IFG?+?IGT patients (p<0.001) and there was a decrease through exercise intervention in these patients only (p<0.05).GGT is an unspecific marker of oxidative stress and both high plasma glucose and triglycerides levels may produce oxidative stress. Thus, patients with IFG?+?IGT seem to have higher levels of oxidative stress than those with isolated IFG. Based on the known association between GGT levels and cardiovascular risk factors, IFG?+?IGT patients may be at higher risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases. The specific effect of regular exercise on GGT in pre-diabetic patients may contribute to the understanding of the preventive effects related to exercise.     

Five-year predictive factors of type 2 diabetes in men with impaired fasting glucose

AIM: The outcome of 743 French men (age 20-60) with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) [blood glucose 6.1-6.9 mmol/l] at T1 was evaluated 5 years later, at T2. METHODS: Personal and family medical history, smoking, nutritional habits, physical activity, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist girth, fasting biological data were collected at T1 and T2. Predictive factors for developing diabetes were compared between those who returned to normal fasting glucose and those who had diabetes, before and after adjustment for age, BMI, glucose and triglyceride (TG) levels. RESULTS: At T2, 44%, 39%, 17% were classified as normal fasting plasma glucose (FPG), IFG or diabetic, respectively. Odd ratios for diabetes were 4.2 for men with a family history of diabetes (FHD), 3.4 if BMI > or = 25 kg/m(2), 2.9 if waist girth > or = 90 cm, 2.8 if TG > or = 2 mmol/l and 1.9 if no daily dairy products were eaten. Still significant after adjustment for age, BMI, glucose and TG levels were: FHD (P=0.001), no daily dairy products (P=0.001), high alcohol intake (P=0.02) and low physical activity (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: No daily dairy products, high alcohol intake and low physical activity were independent predictive factors of a 5-year onset of diabetes after adjusting for BMI, FHD, triglyceride and glucose levels at baseline. For a better prevention of diabetes, these findings give clues for behaviour modifications as soon as IFG is detected.     

Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance prevalences in Turkish patients with impaired fasting glucose

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) like impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) has increased risk of progressing to diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of the study was to evaluate prevalance of IGT and type 2 DM with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Turkish patients who had fasting glucose of 110 and 125 mg/dl. Hundred and forty-eight (67.3%) women and 72 (32.7%) men (30-65 years old with mean age of 51.3 +/- 8.7 year) who had fasting glucose range 110-125 mg/dl were evaluated with OGTT. Seventy-two patients had IGT (32.8%), 74 (33.6%) patients had type 2 diabetes and 74 (33.6%) patients had normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Mean fasting glucose and insulin levels were higher in the IGT group than in the NGT group. Mean level of total cholesterol was higher in DM than that in NGT and IGT groups. Mean triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.476), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.594), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.612), Apoproteine A (P = 0.876), Apoproteine B (P = 0.518), uric acid (P = 0.948) and ferritin (P = 0.314) were found higher in diabetic patients. Lipoproteine a (P = 0.083), fibrinogen (P = 0.175) and hsCRP (P = 0.621) levels were higher in IGT. Mean HOMA S% levels of NGT, IGT and DM were found to be 65.0 +/- 13.0%, 60.9 +/- 16.0% and 50.1 +/- 11.1%, respectively. HOMA B% levels were measured to be 80.4 +/- 29.1% in NGT, 85.3 +/- 14.59% in IGT and 60.1 +/- 10.1% in DM. Significant difference was found between IFG and DM (P = 0.043) groups. The prevalences of diabetes and IGT were found to be 33.63 and 32.7% in IFG, respectively.     

Impaired fasting glycaemia resembles impaired glucose tolerance with regard to cardiovascular risk factors: population-based, cross-sectional study of risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

AIMS: To compare subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose in relation to risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A total of 1374 patients (678 female, 696 male) listed with a general practice clinic in Denmark were given an oral glucose tolerance test, a physical examination, and a self-administered questionnaire. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease were assessed for 90 participants (48 female, 42 male) with impaired glucose tolerance (including 12 subjects (1 female and 11 male), who also fulfilled criteria for impaired fasting glycaemia) and 51 subjects (20 female, 31 male) with impaired fasting glycaemia (World Health Organization 1999 criteria). RESULTS: There were no statistical differences with regard to known risk factors for cardiovascular disease between participants with isolated impaired fasting glycaemia and those with impaired glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: We found noticeable similarities in the cardiovascular risk factor profile in subjects with impaired fasting glycaemia and in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance in our population. When planning screening initiatives, it seems relevant to take into account people with impaired fasting glycaemia as well as those with impaired glucose tolerance.     

Lipid risk factors among elderly with normal fasting glucose,impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Italian longitudinal study on aging

Background and aimsThree groups of subjects were identified within a representative sample of older Italians: subjects with normal fasting glucose (NFG), with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship among plasma lipids, lipoproteins, other metabolic factors in the three groups, and their role in predicting total fatal events.Methods and results2422 subjects, aged 65–84 years, taking part into the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging were included in the analyses. Factor analysis was conducted separately for men and women. Factor scores were used as independent variables in Cox Proportional Hazard models, to determine factors predicting death at the follow-up in NFG, IFG and T2D subjects.Four major factors were found for men (“insulin resistance”, “body size”, “total cholesterol”, “HDL cholesterol”) and four also for women (“insulin resistance”, “total cholesterol”, “body size”, “HDL cholesterol”). For NFG and IFG men, and for both T2D men and women, the “HDL cholesterol” was a significant protective factor for total deaths (NFG men: HR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.93; IFG men: HR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.45–0.79; T2D men: HR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.34–0.89; T2D women: HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.86). Among NFG women, the “body size” factor was also a protective factor with respect to total deaths (HR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.95).ConclusionA factor including HDL Cholesterol and Apo A-I showed protection against all-cause mortality in older men, independently from the glycemia level, and in women only in those diagnosed with T2D.     

Association of aortic pressures with fasting plasma glucose in patients with and without impaired fasting glucose

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are associated with future cardiovascular disorders. Aortic pulse pressure (PP) and fractional pulse pressures (FPPs) are strong and independent indicators of the risk of coronary heart disease. These conditions have been reported to be associated with endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, aortic PP and FPPs of patients with and without impaired fasting glucose were evaluated. METHODS: Fifty patients with IFG with a mean age of 56.8+/-12.2 years and 47 patients with normal fasting glucose (NFG) with a mean age of 53.1+/-11.2 years were included in the study. All subjects had angiographically proven normal coronary arteries without coronary slow flow. Aortic systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured invasively. Mean pressure, PP and FPPs (aortic PP/mean pressure) were calculated. RESULTS: All parameters measured were significantly higher in the IFG group than in the control (NFG) group (133+/-21 mmHg and 117+/-12 mmHg, p<0.001 for aortic systolic pressure; 79+/-12 mmHg and 74+/-8 mmHg, p = 0.035 for aortic diastolic pressure; 97+/-14 mmHg and 88+/-9 mmHg, p = 0.001 for aortic mean pressure; 54+/-13 mmHg and 43+/-8 mmHg, p<0.001 for aortic PP; 0.56+/-0.10 and 0.48+/-0.08, p<0.001 for aortic FPP). In addition, in linear regression analysis, a positive correlation was found between fasting plasma glucose and the aortic FPP (p = 0.001, R2 = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Ascending aorta PP and FPPs are significantly associated with the presence of IFG. These findings suggest that IFG is associated with endothelial dysfunction and so aortic stiffness.