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Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)
08:13

Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)

Published on: January 7, 2018

Role of postprandial hyperglycemia in cardiovascular disease

Stephen Fava1

  • 1University of Malta, Head, Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta, Malta. sdfava@orbit.net.mt

Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|June 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Type 2 diabetes significantly elevates cardiovascular risk due to impaired insulin secretion and postprandial glucose excursions (PPGEs). Addressing PPGEs is crucial for reducing cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality.
  • Diabetic patients exhibit a 2-4 fold increased risk of developing CVD.
  • While tight glycemic control (lowering HbA1c) reduces cardiovascular risk, residual risk persists even in well-controlled diabetic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physiological control of postprandial glucose (PPG).
  • To discuss the causes and consequences of increased postprandial glucose excursions (PPGEs) in diabetes.
  • To evaluate therapeutic options for lowering PPG and their impact on cardiovascular outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of physiological glucose control.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to postprandial dysregulation in diabetes.
  • Examination of epidemiological data linking PPG to CVD.
  • Review of therapeutic interventions targeting PPG.

Main Results:

  • Type 2 diabetes is characterized by early loss of first-phase insulin secretion, leading to significant PPGEs.
  • Increased PPGEs negatively affect endothelial function.
  • Epidemiological data strongly link postprandial hyperglycemia to cardiovascular disease.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting PPG show potential in improving endothelial function and clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Despite advances in glycemic control, the failure to mimic physiological insulin secretion and manage PPGEs contributes to persistent cardiovascular risk in diabetics.
  • Targeting postprandial glucose excursions represents a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes.

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