Increased Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk (Assessed by Findrisc Score) is Associated with Subclinical Atherosclerotic Markers in Asymptomatic Adult Population

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims. Risk score questionnaires for the screening of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) present high accuracy, especially the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC). The aim of the study was to assess the FINDRISC score and its correlations with multiple markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in an asymptomatic urban population. Material and Methods. In the current prospective study, 111 randomized asymptomatic subjects, aged 35-75, were evaluated. FINDRISC score, the cardiovascular and metabolic risk profile were evaluated. Multiple markers of subclinical atherosclerosis were assessed including carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Results. Mean age was 51.87 ± 10.64 years while FINDRISC score was 10.53 ± 4.53. 77% of the subjects were overweight and all parameters of obesity were well associated with FINDRISC score (p<0.001). This asymptomatic population was dyslipidemic (total cholesterol 212.79±44.99 mg/dl). DM risk correlated with age, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and glomerular filtration rate. Increased FINDRISC was associated with IMT (r=0.24, p=0.01), PWV (r=0.26, p=0.008) or LVMI (r=0.23, p=0.01). Conclusions. This asymptomatic population was metabolically uncontrolled. Easily administered type 2 DM screening questionnaires should be routinely performed as increased risk score values are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis.