Classical cardiovascular risk factors according to fasting plasma glucose levels.

Background: To compare the prevalence of classical cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in our population according to fasting plasma glucose levels (FPG).

Methods: We have studied 344 subjects between 20-70 years of age, recruited in a Primary Care Clinic. Subjects were divided into four groups according to their fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values: normal plasma glucose (NG) when FPG < 5.6 mmol/L; FPG between 5.6 and 6.0 mmol/L (FPG1); FPG between 6.1-6.9 mmol/L (FPG2); and diabetes (DM) FPG > or = 7 mmol/L or previous diagnosis of diabetes. Cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, TC/HDL-C index and Apo B values), presence of the MetS and indirect measure of insulin resistance (HOMA) were analyzed.

Results: Subjects with FPG2 have a prevalence of classic CVRF and MetS similar to that observed in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The TC:HDL-C index > or = 5 in 56% and 57%, Apo B > or = 1.2 g/L in 59% and 57%, hypertension in 60% and 54% of FPG2 and T2DM subjects, respectively. MetS was diagnosed in 79% of FPG2 and 80% of T2DM. We found significant differences with FPG1 group who presented low CVRF and MetS proportion.

Conclusion: In our population FPG2 and T2DM subjects show a similar cardiovascular risk profile. On the other hand, such risk is significantly lower in subjects with FPG between 5.6-6.0 mmol/L. These results might have practical implications.