[Insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in relation to glucose tolerance in a group of subjects at a high risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus].

Background: Oral glucose tolerance test was evaluated, as well as, insulin sensitivity/secretion in a group of subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Method: Metabolic profile of subjects included in the new category, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), was also evaluated.

Results: IFG and impaired glucose tolerance identify different alterations in glucose homeostasis.

Conclusions: Those subjects with IFG are heterogeneous in their oral glucose tolerance. They display defects not only in insulin sensitivity but also in their capacity to compensate for it.