Classical cardiovascular risk factors according to fasting plasma glucose levels

To compare the prevalence of classical cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in our population according to fasting plasma glucose levels (FPG).

We have studied 344 subjects between 20-70 years of age, recruited in a Primary Care Clinic. Subjects were divided into four groups according to their fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values: normal plasma glucose (NG) when FPG < 5.6 mmol/L; FPG between 5.6 and 6.0 mmol/L (FPG1); FPG between 6.1-6.9 mmol/L (FPG2); and diabetes (DM) FPG > or = 7 mmol/L or previous diagnosis of diabetes. Cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, TC/HDL-C index and Apo B values), presence of the MetS and indirect measure of insulin resistance (HOMA) were analyzed.

Subjects with FPG2 have a prevalence of classic CVRF and MetS similar to that observed in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The TC:HDL-C index > or = 5 in 56% and 57%, Apo B > or = 1.2 g/L in 59% and 57%, hypertension in 60% and 54% of FPG2 and T2DM subjects, respectively. MetS was diagnosed in 79% of FPG2 and 80% of T2DM. We found significant differences with FPG1 group who presented low CVRF and MetS proportion.

In our population FPG2 and T2DM subjects show a similar cardiovascular risk profile. On the other hand, such risk is significantly lower in subjects with FPG between 5.6-6.0 mmol/L. These results might have practical implications.