Abnormal glucose regulation in an Australian acute coronary syndrome population: a prospective study
Sharon Chih1, Brendan M McQuillan, Joey Kaye
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Australia. s.chih@victorchang.edu.au
Insights
Abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) is prevalent in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, often undiagnosed. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) significantly improve AGR detection in this high-risk population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) is a frequent and detrimental risk factor for patients experiencing acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
- Early identification and management of AGR are crucial for improving outcomes in ACS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of AGR in patients with ACS.
- To assess the effectiveness of oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) in detecting AGR in this population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 300 ACS patients.
- Measurements included fasting blood glucose (BGL), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR).
- Patients without diagnosed diabetes underwent OGTT at least 4 weeks post-discharge.
Main Results:
- AGR was detected in 60% of patients on admission (32% diabetes, 28% impaired fasting glucose [IFG]).
- OGTT identified new diabetes in 5%, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in 24%, and IFG in 6% of patients.
- AGR was detected by OGTT in 25% of patients with normal admission BGL and in 50% of those with admission IFG.
Conclusions:
- The majority of ACS patients exhibit AGR, with up to half remaining unrecognized.
- OGTT is a valuable tool for enhancing the detection of AGR in ACS patients.
- Identifying and managing AGR in ACS patients is essential for risk reduction.
Background:
Abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) is common and an adverse risk factor in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
Methods:
We prospectively evaluated the prevalence of AGR in 300 ACS patients. Fasting blood glucose (BGL), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) were performed. Patients without diabetes completed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) >or=4 weeks post-discharge.
Results:
On admission, AGR prevalence was 60%; 32% (n=94) with diabetes and 28% (n=83) with IFG. OGTT completed in 157 patients, detected new diabetes in 5% (n=8), IGT in 24% (n=37), and IFG in 6% (n=10). In 91 patients with normal admission fasting BGL, 25% (n=23) had AGR on OGTT. Conversely, in 62 patients with admission IFG, 50% (n=31) had a normal OGTT. Patients with versus those without AGR on OGTT had higher adjusted geometric mean HbA1c (5.92; 95% CI 5.81-6.02 vs. 5.66; 95% CI, 5.59-5.74, P=0.001) and urinary ACR (1.38; 95% CI, 0.99-1.91 vs. 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58-0.94, P=0.003) levels.
Conclusions:
AGR is present in the majority of ACS patients and unrecognised in up to half of cases. OGTT improves the detection of AGR.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Hyperglycemia
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

