Glucose metabolism and hyperglycemia

Islet dysfunction and peripheral insulin resistance are both present in type 2 diabetes and are both necessary for the development of hyperglycemia. In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, large, prospective clinical studies have shown a strong relation between time-averaged mean values of glycemia, measured as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and vascular diabetic complications. These studies are the basis for the American Diabetes Association's current recommended treatment goal that HbA1c should be <7%. The measurement of the HbA1c concentration is considered the gold standard for assessing long-term glycemia; however, it does not reveal any information on the extent or frequency of blood glucose excursions, but provides an overall mean value only. Postprandial hyperglycemia occurs frequently in patients with diabetes receiving active treatment and can occur even when metabolic control is apparently good. Interventional studies indicate that reducing postmeal glucose excursions is as important as controlling fasting plasma glucose in persons with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. Evidence exists for a causal relation between postmeal glucose increases and microvascular and macrovascular outcomes; therefore, it is not surprising that treatment with different compounds that have specific effects on postprandial glucose regulation is accompanied by a significant improvement of many pathways supposed to be involved in diabetic complications, including oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and nuclear factor-kappaB activation. The goal of therapy should be to achieve glycemic status as near to normal as safely possible in all 3 components of glycemic control: HbA1c, fasting glucose, and postmeal glucose peak.     

Dietary glycemic index and glycemic load in relation to HbA1c in Japanese obese adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the Saku Control Obesity Program

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Dietary glycemic index or load is thought to play an important role in glucose metabolism. However, few studies have investigated the relation between glycemic index (GI) or load (GL) and glycemia in Asian populations. In this cross-sectional analysis of a randomized controlled trial, the Saku Control Obesity Program, we examined the relation between the baseline GI or GL and glycemia (HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose [FPG] levels), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), beta-cell function (HOMA-beta), and other metabolic risk factors (lipid levels, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and adiposity measures). METHODS: The participants were 227 obese Japanese women and men. We used multiple linear regression models and logistic regression models to adjust for potential confounding factors such as age, sex, visceral fat area, total energy intake, and physical activity levels. RESULTS: After adjustments for potential confounding factors, GI was not associated with HbA1c, but GL was positively associated with HbA1c. For increasing quartiles of GI, the adjusted mean HbA1c were 6.3%, 6.7%, 6.4%, and 6.4% (P for trend = 0.991). For increasing quartiles of GL, the adjusted mean HbA1c were 6.2%, 6.2%, 6.6%, and 6.5% (P for trend = 0.044). In addition, among participants with HbA1c >= 7.0%, 20 out of 28 (71%) had a high GL (>= median); the adjusted odds ratio for HbA1c >= 7.0% among participants with higher GL was 3.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2 to 8.1) compared to the participants with a lower GL (= 150 mg/dL, 13 participants (81.3%) had a higher GL; the adjusted odds ratio for FPG >= 150 mg/dL among participants with a higher GL was 8.5 (95% confidence interval = 1.7 to 43.4) compared to those with a lower GL. In contrast, GI and GL were not associated with metabolic risk factors other than glycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that participants with poor glycemic control tend to have a higher GL in an obese Japanese population.     

Frequency of HbA1c discordance in estimating blood glucose control

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: HbA1c is a trusted standard for monitoring glycemic control and predicting complications. However, there are emerging issues complicating the interpretation of HbA1c that the clinician caring for patients with diabetes needs to consider. RECENT FINDINGS: There is increasing evidence of the potential for mismatches between HbA1c and other measures of glycemia which require some caution in HbA1c interpretation. We have attempted to characterize the nature of these discordances by developing the concept of the 'glycation gap' in which differences in protein glycation occurring in the intracellular space (HbA1c) versus in the extracellular space (measured as fructosamine) are compared. We have evidence that HbA1c results discordant from other measures of glycemic control may be secondary to previously unappreciated physiological variables, including erythrocyte lifespan, in hematologically normal individuals. We relate these findings to a number of HbA1c interpretation issues important for diabetes care: factors affecting hemoglobin glycation, relationship of HbA1c to glycemia, standardization of the HbA1c assay, and HbA1c relation to complications. SUMMARY: There are an increasing number of clinical circumstances in which there are nuances to HbA1c interpretation such that standard norms for assessment of glycemic control or complication risk may need to be modified.     

Glycemic outcome not predicted by baseline psychological measures in a diabetes management program

The Northern Health Diabetes Hospital Admission Risk Program is a chronic disease management program that aims to improve the glycemic management of patients with diabetes. The aim of this project was to determine if there was any relationship between psychological characteristics and glycemic outcome in a diabetes management program. A prospective study of patients attending the diabetes management program investigated validated measures of cognition, stage of change, locus of control, self-efficacy, depression and anxiety, and quality of life. The study investigated 86 type 2 diabetes patients (mean age 59 years, 49% female). Glycemic control (HbA1c) was measured at baseline and after 12 months in the program. Glycemic control was poor on admission to the service with a mean HbA1c of 8.9%. The measures of cognition, self-efficacy, locus of control, mental health, and quality of life were not associated with improvements in HbA1c. Those participants with shorter duration of disease and more contacts with the service were significantly more likely to experience improvements in HbA1c. Psychometric data were not predictive of glycemic outcome. Rather, in this chronic disease management program, glycemia improved more in patients who were seen earlier in their disease course and managed more intensively, regardless of their psychometric status.     

Retinol and alpha-tocopherol in serum of type 1 diabetic patients with intensive insulin therapy: a long term follow-up study

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of intensive insulin therapy and glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes on biochemical markers of vitamin A and E. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with type 1 diabetes were enrolled in a follow-up study for 3 to 33 mo. At entrance, all patients were on conventional insulin therapy or recently had been diagnosed with the disease. Intensive insulin therapy (multiple daily glycemia records and at least three insulin doses daily) was established, and every 3 to 6 mo patients were screened for clinical, biochemical, and hematologic indexes. Biochemical markers of vitamin A and E nutrition status were measured at each visit by a quality-controlled high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: At entrance, serum retinol concentrations, but not the ratio of alpha-tocopherol to cholesterol, showed a negative correlation with increasing values of HbA1c and insulin dose, neither of which was significant in multiple regression models. With intensive insulin therapy, a trend to normalize parameters of glycemic control (HbA1c and fructosamine) was observed within subjects and on a group level. However, no significant changes were observed in serum retinol or alpha-tocopherol:cholesterol ratio according to the metabolic control of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type 1 diabetes under intensive insulin therapy tend to normalize the clinical parameters of glycemic control, although this improvement does not significantly affect biochemical markers of vitamin A and E status.     

Comparative Effectiveness of a Mindful Eating Intervention to a Diabetes Self-Management Intervention among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Mindful eating offers promise as an effective approach for weight management and glycemic control in people with diabetes. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is an essential component of effective self-care. Yet, little research has compared the effect of mindful eating to DSME–based treatment. This study compared the impact of these two interventions in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A prospective randomized controlled trial with two parallel interventions was used. Participants included adults age 35 to 65 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus for 1 year or more, body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7% or more who were randomly assigned to a 3-month mindful eating (MB-EAT-D; n=27) or Smart Choices (SC) DSME–based (n=25) intervention. Follow-up occurred 3 months after intervention completion. Dietary intake, physical activity, weight, HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose, and fasting insulin were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance with contrast analysis. There was no significant difference between groups in the change in weight or glycemia at study end. Significant difference occurred between groups in the change in dietary intake/1,000 kcal of trans fats, total fiber, and sugars (all P<0.05). Mean (± standard error) reduction in weight (?2.92±0.54 kg for SC vs ?1.53±0.54 kg for MB-EAT-D) and HbA1c (?0.67±0.24% for SC and ?0.83±0.24% for MB-EAT-D) were significant (P<0.01). Significant reduction in energy intake and glycemic load occurred (all P<0.0001) for both groups. Training in mindful eating and diabetes self-management facilitate improvement in dietary intake, modest weight loss, and glycemic control. The availability of effective treatments gives patients with diabetes choices in meeting their self-care needs.     

A simple meal plan of 'eating vegetables before carbohydrate' was more effective for achieving glycemic control than an exchange-based meal plan in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

This study aimed to determine whether educating diabetic patients to 'eat vegetables before carbohydrate' was as effective on long-term glycemic control as a traditional exchange-based meal plan. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a randomized, controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes that compared changes in HbA1c as the primary outcome. A total of 101 patients were stratified according to sex, age, BMI, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c, and then randomized to receive instructions to eat either vegetables before carbohydrate (VBC, n=69) or an exchange-based meal plan (EXB, n=32). The impact of the two plans on glycemic control was compared over 24 months of follow-up. Significant improvements in HbA1c over 24 months were observed in both groups (VBC, 8.3 to 6.8% vs EXB, 8.2 to 7.3%). HbA1c levels were significantly lower in the VBC group than in the EXB group after 6, 9, 12 and 24 months of the study. Both groups exhibited similar improvements in dietary practices with respect to intake of carbohydrate, fats and sweets, while the VBC group had a significant increase in consumption of green vegetables and a significant decrease in fruit consumption. A simple meal plan of 'eating vegetables before carbohydrate' achieved better glycemic control than an exchange-based meal plan in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes over a 24-month period.     

Impact of a diabetes disease management program on diabetes control and patient quality of life

The worldwide burden of diabetes is projected to be 5.4% of the adult population by the year 2025. Diabetes is associated with multiple medical complications that both decrease health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) and contribute to earlier mortality. There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of multidisciplinary disease management programs that incorporate self-management principles in improving patients' long-term outcomes. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in improving: (1) glycemic control measured by HbA1c, and (2) HR-QOL measured by the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQOL), at enrollment and at 12-months follow-up. Between 2004 and 2008, a total of 967 patients were enrolled in the program; 545 (56%) of these patients had HbA1c data available at baseline and at 12 months. Mean HbA1c at enrollment was 8.6% (SD 1.9) versus 7.3% (SD 1.2) at 12 months (P<0.001). Overall, 68% of patients experienced improvements in HbA1c. At enrollment, patients reported "fair" HR-QOL, which was significantly lower than age-adjusted population norms who reported "good" HR-QOL. At 12 months, 251 (64%) patients had improved HR-QOL, 27 (7%) had no change, and 114 (29%) deteriorated. Mean utility scores improved by 0.11 (P<0.001), which is almost twice the minimum clinically important difference for the AQOL. This study confirms that a multidisciplinary disease management program for patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes can improve both glycemic control and HR-QOL.     

HbA1c预测值所引导的2型糖尿病患者个体化自我管理教育研究

目的探讨HbA1c预测值所引导的2型糖尿病患者个体化自我管理教育模式对糖尿病控制效果的影响.方法对60例2型糖尿病患者的糖尿病基本知识、饮食、运动及用药自我管理能力进行问卷调查,检测糖尿病控制指标,建立HbA1c预测值模型.被调查者随机进入用HbA1c预测值所引导的个体化自我管理教育组(A组)和小组教育组(B组),每组30例.干预第3、6、9个月末检测血糖指标.第12个月末,再次进行问卷调查和检测控制指标.结果两组的各项检测指标均较干预前明显变好,糖尿病基本知识积分增加.A组自我管理能力增强的人数比率明显高于B组(Fisher精确概率双侧检验P＜0.05),糖尿病血糖指标控制效果好于B组(t＞2.11,P＜0.05).结论用HbA1c预测值所引导的2型糖尿病患者个体化自我管理教育是一种有效长期维持糖尿病控制效果的干预方法.     

Assessment of Quality of Life Needs of Children With Mild Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study was to examine youths' knowledge of the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test and glycemic control. Seventy youths (11–16 year olds) with type 1 diabetes were interviewed concerning their knowledge of the HbA1c test, health risks associated with particular HbA1c values, and their own glycemic goals. Results revealed that only 13% of youths accurately described the HbA1c test. Fewer correctly identified the HbA1c ranges for good, fair, and poor glycemic control. The majority of youths did not know the blood glucose values corresponding to specific HbA1c results. Only a small number of youth correctly estimated the short-term and long-term risks associated with maintenance of HbA1c of 7% and 12%. In this sample of mostly lower income, minority youths with type 1 diabetes, there was a significant lack of knowledge concerning the meaning and implications of the HbA1c test. Findings suggest that interventions for this patient population should use the HbA1c test results to help young patients to better understand and set goals for their glycemic control.     

Self-reported rate of eating is significantly associated with body mass index in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management Study Group (JDDM26)

We examined whether the rate of eating was associated with the body mass index and glycemic control status in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (50% women, mean±SD age 59.4±7.5years). Rapid eating was significantly associated with body mass index (p=0.047). The body mass index of those who reported eating quickly was 0.8kg/m(2) higher than in individuals who reported eating at medium speed even after adjustment for known confounders. No significant association was observed between the rate of eating and HbA(1c). Our findings suggest an association between self-reported rapid eating and an elevated body mass index in patients with type 2 diabetes.     

Association Between Different Hemoglobin A1c Levels and Clinical Outcomes Among Elderly Nursing Home Residents With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective

New guidelines recommend a target glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.5% to 8.0% in elderly persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but real-world data regarding outcomes associated with different HbA1c levels in the elderly are limited. This study assessed outcomes and their association with defined HbA1c thresholds and age ranges in insulin-treated, elderly, patients with T2DM in long-term care (LTC).

Design

Retrospective analysis of medical charts and the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for the period September 2010 through September 2011.

Setting

A total of 117 nursing homes in the United States.

Participants

Eligible patients had resided in LTC for 3 months or more, had at least 1 full MDS assessment, 2 or more records of insulin dispensing with no pump use, and 1 or more HbA1c measurements.

Measurements

Outcomes that were measured included hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, infections, falls, hospitalization, and emergency room (ER) visits.

Results

A total of 583 patients were included (mean age 78.9 years, mean chart observation length 55 days). In all groups, hypoglycemia was lowest in patients with an HbA1c level higher than 9.0%. In patients 75 years or older, infection rates were highest when HbA1c levels were higher than 9.0%. Falls increased by HbA1c level in patients aged 65 to 74 years, but decreased by HbA1c levels in patients 85 years or older. Ketoacidosis, hospitalization, and ER visits were low in all groups.

Conclusion

These data suggest that better glycemic levels may not necessarily be associated with better clinical outcomes, and different age groups may exhibit different patterns, thereby supporting the call for individualized glycemic control among elderly patients.     

Adherence to regimens and glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary hospital clinic

This cross-sectional study is aimed to measure the prevalence of patient adherence to treatment regimens and factors affecting glycemic control among Type 2 diabetes patients. 243 diabetes patients seeking care at a tertiary hospital diabetic clinic in Bangkok were interviewed. HbA1c was used as an index of glycemic control. The proportions of cases with good adherence to physical exercise and diet regimen were 31.7 and 54.3%, respectively. About 46.5% reported receiving good social support for diabetes from his/her family. The median of HbA1c was 8% (normal range 4.7-6.3%). Approximately 33.3% achieved good glycemic control (HbAlc < or =7%), while 50.2% had poor control (HbAlc >8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated two variables were significantly associated with glycemic control: adherence to diet control and exercise. Interactive health education should be introduced to increase patient adherence to treatment regimens. Family members should be informed about their important roles in encouraging patients' glycemic control.     

Use of diabetes preventive care and complications risk in two African-American communities

BACKGROUND: We examined levels of diabetes preventive care services and glycemic and lipid control among African Americans with diabetes in two North Carolina communities. METHODS: Cross-sectional, population-based study of 625 African-American adults with diagnosed diabetes. Participants had a household interview to determine receipt of preventive care services including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), blood pressure, lipid, foot, dilated eye, and dental examinations; diabetes education; and health promotion counseling. A total of 383 gave blood samples to determine HbA(1c) and lipid values. RESULTS: Annual dilated eye, foot, and lipid examinations were reported by 70% to 80% of the population, but only 46% reported HbA(1c) tests. Rates of regular physical activity (31%) and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose (40%) were low. Sixty percent of the population had an HbA(1c) level >8% and one fourth had an HbA(1c) level >10%. Half of the population had a low-density lipoprotein value >130 mg/dL. Lack of insurance was the most consistent correlate of inadequate care (odds ratio [OR]=2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.3-3.9), having HbA(1c) >9.5% (OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.1-4.2), and LDL levels >130 mg/dL (OR=2.1; 95% CI=1.0-4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of diabetes preventive care services were comparable to U.S. estimates, but glycemic and lipid control and levels of self-management behaviors were poor. These findings indicate a need to understand barriers to achieving and implementing good glycemic and lipid control among African Americans with diabetes.     

Blood spot–based measures of glucose homeostasis and diabetes prevalence in a nationally representative population of young US adults

PurposeWe investigated understudied biomarker-based diabetes among young US adults, traditionally characterized by low cardiovascular disease risk.MethodsWe examined 15,701 participants aged 24 to 32 years at Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health, 2008). The study used innovative and relatively noninvasive methods to collect capillary whole blood via finger prick at in-home examinations in all 50 states.ResultsAssays of dried blood spots produced reliable and accurate values of HbA1c. Reliability was lower for fasting glucose and lowest for random glucose. Mean (SD) HbA1c was 5.6% (0.8%). More than a quarter (27.4%) had HbA1c-defined prediabetes. HbA1c was highest in the black, non-Hispanic race/ethnic group, inversely associated with education, and more common among the overweight/obese and physically inactive. The prevalence of diabetes defined by previous diagnosis or use of antidiabetic medication was 2.9%. Further incorporating HbA1c and glucose values, the prevalence increased to 6.8%, and among these participants, 38.9% had a previous diagnosis of diabetes (i.e., aware). Among those aware, 37.6% were treated and 64.0% were controlled (i.e., HbA1c < 7%).ConclusionsA contemporary cohort of young adults faces a historically high risk of diabetes but there is ample opportunity for early detection and intervention.     

2型糖尿病患者血糖控制与全因死亡风险的相关性分析

目的 探讨2型糖尿病患者血糖控制与全因死亡风险的关联。方法 以淮安市清河区（现清江浦区）、淮安区纳入国家基本公共卫生服务管理的9 753例2型糖尿病患者作为观察队列,利用Cox回归和限制性立方样条分析血糖控制与2型糖尿病患者的全因死亡风险关联及剂量-反应关系,并进一步按性别分层分析。随访时长的计算从基线调查开始至2020年12月31日为止。结果 9 753例2型糖尿病患者随访期内死亡密度为20.4/1 000人年。与控制达标者相比,空腹血糖（fasting plasma glucose,FPG）控制未达标者的全死因风险增加36%（HR=1.36,95%CI:1.17~1.59）,糖化血红蛋白（glycated hemoglobin,HbA1c）控制未达标者的全死因风险增加65%（HR=1.65,95%CI:1.42~1.92）;与FPG 和HbA1c控制良好者相比,控制一般者、控制较差者的全死因风险分别增加47%（HR=1.47,95%CI:1.19~1.81）、75%（HR=1.75,95%CI:1.46~2.09）。限制性立方样条模型显示,FPG、HbA1c连续变化均与糖尿病患者全死因风险呈线性剂量-反应关系（P总趋势<0.001,P非线性>0.05）。按性别分层后,结论依然成立,且女性患者死亡风险高于相同血糖水平下的男性患者。结论 血糖控制不良会增加2型糖尿病患者的全因死亡风险,且女性死亡风险高于相同血糖水平下的男性。     

Does literacy mediate the relationship between education and health outcomes? A study of a low-income population with diabetes

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether literacy mediates the relationship between education and glycemic control among diabetes patients. METHODS: We measured educational attainment, literacy using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (s-TOFHLA), and glycemic control (HbA1c) in 395 diabetes patients at a U.S. public hospital. We performed path analysis to compare two competing models to explain glycemic control. The direct effects model estimated how education was related to HbA1c; the mediational model estimated the strength of the direct relationship when the additional pathway from education to literacy to HbA1c was added. RESULTS: Both the model with a direct effect of education on HbA1c and the model with literacy as a mediator were supported by good fit to observed data. The mediational model, however, was a significant improvement, with the additional path from literacy to HbA1c reducing the discrepancy from observed data (p < 0.01). After including this path, the direct relationship between education and HbA1c fell to a non-significant threshold. CONCLUSIONS: In a low-income population with diabetes, literacy mediated the relationship between education and glycemic control. This finding has important implications for both education and health policy.     

Association between Dietary Magnesium Intake and Glycemic Markers in Ghanaian Women of Reproductive Age: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

Low magnesium intake has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in several studies conducted in high-income countries. However, very few studies have been performed in Africa, where many countries have a growing rate of T2DM. We conducted a pilot cross-sectional study among 63 women in Ghana to investigate the association between magnesium intake and glycemic markers. We assessed dietary magnesium using a food frequency questionnaire and glycemic markers using fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Our findings showed that the mean magnesium intake was 200 ± 116 mg/day. The prevalence of T2DM was 5% by measuring fasting blood glucose and 8% by measuring HbA1c. Unadjusted linear regression models revealed that higher magnesium intake significantly predicted higher fasting blood glucose levels (β = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.55; p = 0.01) and HbA1c levels (β = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.51; p = 0.04). In adjusted analyses, magnesium intake was no longer significantly associated with either fasting blood glucose levels (β = 0.22; 95% CI: −0.03, 0.46; p = 0.08) or HbA1c levels (β = 0.15; 95% CI: −0.08, 0.39; p = 0.20). In conclusion, our study did not show a significant association between magnesium intake and glycemic markers in women of reproductive age in Ghana. The results of this study need to be further substantiated because this was the first study to examine magnesium intake and glycemic markers in this population in Africa.     

HOMA-IR Values are Associated With Glycemic Control in Japanese Subjects Without Diabetes or Obesity: The KOBE Study

Background

Several studies have reported that insulin resistance was a major risk factor for the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus in individuals without diabetes or obesity. We aimed to clarify the association between insulin resistance and glycemic control in Japanese subjects without diabetes or obesity.

Methods

We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study including 1083 healthy subjects (323 men and 760 women) in an urban area. We performed multivariate regression analyses to estimate the association between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values and markers of glycemic control, including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, after adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Compared with the lowest tertile of HOMA-IR values, the highest tertile was significantly associated with HbA1c and FPG levels after adjustment for potential confounders, both in men (HbA1c: β = 1.83, P = 0.001; FPG: β = 0.49, P < 0.001) and women (HbA1c: β = 0.82, P = 0.008; FPG: β = 0.39, P < 0.001). The highest tertile of HOMA-IR values was inversely associated with 1,5-AG levels compared with the lowest tertile (β = −18.42, P = 0.009) only in men.

Conclusions

HOMA-IR values were associated with markers of glycemic control in Japanese subjects without diabetes or obesity. Insulin resistance may influence glycemic control even in a lean, non-diabetic Asian population.Key words: homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, glycemic control, epidemiology