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Impaired glucose tolerance in the U.S. population
1National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Diabetes Care
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) affects 11.2% of American adults and is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. This condition shares risk factors with diabetes and is linked to increased cardiovascular issues.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a major risk factor for diabetes, yet its clinical and epidemiological significance is under-investigated.
- IGT accounts for two-thirds of glucose intolerance cases in the United States.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the characteristics of IGT in the U.S. population using national survey data.
- To understand the prevalence and risk factors associated with IGT.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
- Inclusion of 75-g 2-h oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) for population analysis.
- Extrapolation of data to represent the entire U.S. resident population aged 20-74 years.
Main Results:
- Approximately 11.2% of Americans aged 20-74 years have IGT, compared to 6.6% with diabetes.
- IGT prevalence varied by age and race, with higher rates in White individuals and Black men, but declining in older Black women, possibly due to earlier diabetes conversion.
- Individuals with IGT exhibited intermediate risk factors for diabetes and higher prevalence of cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and arteriosclerosis compared to those with normal glucose tolerance.
Conclusions:
- IGT represents a continuum of glucose intolerance and is a significant public health concern.
- Obesity and family history of diabetes are key risk factors for IGT.
- IGT is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for clinical attention.