Early-stage atherosclerosis in newly diagnosed, untreated type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate early-stage atherosclerosis in newly diagnosed, untreated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Methods The study subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and were then divided into three groups, according to plasma glucose level: those in the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group had fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 6.1 mmol/L and 2 h postload glucose (2hPPG) < 7.8 mmol/L; those in the IGT group had FPG < 6.1 mmol/L and 2hPPG ≥ 7.8 mmol/L; and those in the T2DM group had FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L or 2hPPG ≥ 11.1 mmol/L. Haemodynamic variables and brachial–ankle pulse-wave velocities (baPWV) in the three groups were compared. Results The baPWV value increased with increases in plasma glucose, and was significantly and positively correlated to age, FPG, 2hPPG, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. Significant differences were found between the baPWV values in the NGT and IGT groups (1602 ± 347 vs 1707 ± 351 cm/s, respectively; P = 0.005), and between the NGT and DM groups (1602 ± 347 vs 1762 ± 381, respectively; P < 0.001). The results of multiple regression analyses showed that 2hPPG was closely related to baPWV as well as to SBP and DBP. Conclusion Early-stage atherosclerosis is present in newly diagnosed, untreated T2DM and IGT patients, and it may be that its early assessment, along with good control of hypertension and hyperglycaemia, will help to delay its progression.