The ratio of estimated average glucose to fasting plasma glucose level as an indicator of insulin resistance in young adult diabetes

Abstract

At present, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glycated albumin (GA) are used to evaluate glycemic control in diabetic patients, but they cannot reflect insulin deficiency and/or insulin resistance.We investigated the feasibility of using estimated average glucose to fasting plasma glucose ratio (eAG/fPG ratio) to estimate insulin resistance in young adult diabetes. A total of 387 patients with type 2 diabetes were included and were stratified into 2 groups based on median values of the glycemic index ratio: the GA/A1c ratio <2.09 (n = 91) and ≥2.09 (n = 296); the eAG/fPG ratio <1.69 (n = 155) and ≥1.69 (n = 232). HbA1c, GA, fructosamine, insulin, and C-peptide levels were measured. The ratio of GA to HbA1c was calculated, and the homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function and insulin resistance were determined. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance level was significantly associated with the eAG/fPG ratio, but not with the ratio of GA to HbA1c, GA, HbA1c, and fructosamine levels. The ratio of estimated average glucose to fasting plasma glucose level correlates with insulin resistance in young adult diabetes.