Glucose-induced or postprandial hyperinsulinemia in mild essential hypertension--an underestimated biochemical risk...

Even if glucose tolerance is normal, a glucose-stimulated or postprandial hyperinsulinemia can frequently be observed in patients with early stages and mild forms of essential hypertension. Numerous epidemiological, clinical and experimental data suggest that hyperinsulinemia might be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis which should be paid more attention. It could be hypothesized that, apart from the haemodynamic phenomenon of high blood pressure, the postprandial hyperinsulinemia of patients with mild essential hypertension might be relevant to their cardiovascular risk.