Nondiabetic Korean Adults Research Articles

The Combination of Uric Acid and Hemoglobin Levels Predicts the Incident Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease More Than Uric Acid Alone in Non-Diabetic Koreans: A Longitudinal Study Using National Health Insurance Data.

Uric acid has been related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, slightly elevated hemoglobin (Hb) was also shown to be associated with CVD. We retrospectively investigated the joint effect of uric acid and elevated Hb by comparing normal-range uric acid alone on incident ischemic heart disease (IHD) risk in a large cohort of non-diabetic Korean adults using National Health Insurance data. We assessed 16,786 participants without diabetes (8595 men and 8191 women) using extensive cohort data. High Hb was defined as ≥16.4 g/dL in men and 13.8 g/dL in women (>75th percentile). We analyzed the data using two different methods. First, the participants were divided into quartiles according to uric acid levels. Second, subjects were also divided into quartiles: reference (group 1), high uric acid and normal Hb (group 2), normal uric acid and high Hb (group 3), and normal uric acid and high Hb (group 4). We evaluated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for IHD using multivariate Cox regression analysis over a 50-month follow-up. During the follow-up, 345 (1.9%) participants developed IHD. In the analysis using both uric acid and Hb, compared with the reference group, the HRs for IHD were 1.37 (95% CI, 1.01-1.86) in the second group, 1.63 (95% CI, 1.21-2.21) in the third group, and 1.86 (95% CI, 1.30-2.67) in the fourth group after adjusting for IHD risk factors. Subsequently, patients with high uric acid are more likely to develop incident IHD than control patients. Moreover, we confirmed the joint effects of high uric acid and high hemoglobin on incident IHD. Awareness of these interactions is essential for clinicians. Risk factor management and screening for IHD are part of the routine management of patients with high uric acid and Hb.

Relationship between Sleep Duration and Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Korean Adults: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2019-2020

Relationship between Sleep Duration and Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Korean Adults: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2019-2020

Gender Difference in the Association of Hyperuricemia with Insulin Resistance and beta-cell Function in Nondiabetic Korean Adults: The 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

ABSTRACT Aims This study was conducted to assess the association of uric acid (UA) with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) by gender in nondiabetic Korean adults. Materials and Methods The study was carried out using data from the 2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included nondiabetic Korean men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women aged 20 years or older. Results First, after adjusted for the related variables (excluding obesity), the prevalence of hyperuricemia (UA ≥ 7.0 mg/dL in men or UA ≥ 6.0 mg/dL in women) was positively associated with the quartiles of HOMA-IR and HOMA-B in men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women. Second, when further adjusted for obesity, hyperuricemia was positively associated with the quartiles of HOMA-IR and HOMA-B in men and postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women. Third, after adjusted for the related variables (including obesity), UA level was positively associated with the quartiles of HOMA-IR and HOMA-B in men and postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women. Conclusions hyperuricemia is positively associated with insulin resistance and beta-cell function in nondiabetic Korean men and postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women.

The Relationship between the Lipid Accumulation Product and Beta-cell Function in Korean Adults with or without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

ABSTRACT Aims This study was conducted to assess the relationship between the lipid accumulation product index (LAP) and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) in Korean adults with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods The study was carried out using data from the 2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and included 4,922 adults aged 20 or older. Results There were several key findings. First, in overall population, after adjusting for related variables, HOMA-IR (p < .001) and HOMA-B (p < .001) level were positively associated with quartiles of LAP. Second, in non-T2DM group, HOMA-IR (p < .001) and HOMA-B level (p < .001) were positively associated with quartiles of LAP. Third, in T2DM group, HOMA-IR (p < .001) level was positively associated with the quartiles of LAP, but HOMA-B (p = .153) level was not significant. In addition, HOMA-B level was increased with an increasing metabolic syndrome component in non-T2DM (p < .001) but not in T2DM (p = .267). Conclusions LAP was positively associated with both HOMA-IR and HOMA-B in non-diabetic Korean adults. However, LAP was positively associated with HOMA-IR in Korean adults with T2DM, while the association with HOMA-B was not significant.

Gender difference in the relationship between lipid accumulation product index and pulse pressure in nondiabetic Korean adults: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to assess the association between the lipid accumulation product index (LAP) and pulse pressure (PP) by gender in nondiabetic Korean adults. This study used the data of 8,240 nondiabetic adults (3,577 men and 4,663 women) aged ≥ 20 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014. Key findings from the study were as follows: first, the mean values of age for the overall population, men, and women were 49.59 ± 15.73 years, 49.26 ± 16.04 years, and 49.85 ± 15.47 years, respectively. Second, in women (n = 4,663), after adjustment for related variables and with quartile 1 of LAP as a reference, the odds ratios (ORs) of high PP (PP > 60 mmHg) were significantly higher in quartile 3 [1.735 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.064–2.831)] and quartile 4 of LAP [2.271 (95% CI, 1.325–3.893)]. Third, high PP in men (n = 3,577) was not associated with the quartiles of LAP. Forth, after adjustment for related variables, the PP level was positively associated with the quartiles of LAP in women (p < .001) but not in men (p = .400). PP was positively associated with LAP in nondiabetic Korean women but not in men.

Predictive Value of the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) for the Risk of Incident Ischemic Heart Disease among Non-Diabetic Koreans.

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), composed of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a novel critical marker for assessing the risk of atherogenicity and cardiometabolic health. We aimed to prospectively study the association between AIP and incident ischemic heart disease (IHD) risk in a large cohort of non-diabetic Korean adults. Data were assessed from 17,944 participants without diabetes from the Health Risk Assessment Study (HERAS) and Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) data. The participants were divided into four groups according to AIP quartiles, calculated as log (triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). We prospectively assessed hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for IHD using multivariate Cox proportional-hazard regression models over a 50-month period that followed the baseline survey. During the follow-up period, 332 participants (1.9%) developed IHD. HRs of IHD for AIP quartiles 2–4 were 1.58 (95% CI, 1.03–2.43), 1.82 (95% CI, 1.20–2.78), and 2.11 (95% CI, 1.37–3.24) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical activity, mean arterial blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level, and hypertension medication. Higher AIP levels may precede and predict the development of IHD in non-diabetic Korean adults.

Sex-specific in the relationship between hyperuricemia and pulse pressure in non-diabetic Korean adults: the 2017 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background and objective: The present study assesses the relationship between hyperuricemia and pulse pressure (PP) in non-diabetic Korean adults. Material and methods: Data from 5122 subjects (2251 men and 2871 women) in the seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII-2, 2017) were analyzed. Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and PP were significant factors determining the odds ratios (ORs) for hyperuricemia (uric acid ≥7.0 mg/dL in men or ≥6.0 mg/dL in women) in men and the overall population. In women, SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and PP were not significant factors determining the OR for hyperuricemia. After adjusting for related variables, the OR of hyperuricemia was significantly higher in the high PP group (PP &gt;60.0 mmHg) for men (OR, 1.760; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.152--2.688) and the overall population (OR, 1.557; 95% CI, 1.132--2.140) compared with the normal PP group, but this trend was not seen in women (OR, 1.060; 95% CI, 0.646--1.740). Conclusions: Hyperuricemia was positively associated with PP in non-diabetic Korean men but not in women.

The triglyceride-glucose index predicts ischemic heart disease risk in Koreans: a prospective study using National Health Insurance Service data

BackgroundIschemic heart disease (IHD) without diabetes is considered an important challenge to human health and is associated with a poor prognosis, as well as a lack of health awareness. We prospectively investigated the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a surrogate marker of early insulin resistance, and incident IHD risk in a large cohort of nondiabetic Korean adults using National Health Insurance Service data.Methods We assessed 16,455 participants (8426 men and 8029 women) without diabetes using data from a health risk assessment study (HERAS) and Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) data. The participants were divided into four groups according to TyG index quartiles, calculated as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2]. We prospectively assessed hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for IHD using multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression models over a 50-month period that followed the baseline survey.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, 322 (2.0%) participants developed IHD. HRs of IHD for TyG index quartiles 2–4 were 1.61 (95% CI 1.05–2.48), 1.85 (95% CI 1.21–2.81), and 2.29 (95% CI 1.50–3.51), respectively, after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, and physical activity.ConclusionsA higher TyG index precedes and significantly predicts future IHD among nondiabetic Koreans. Accordingly, the TyG index may be a useful measure in assessing cardiovascular risk for nondiabetic adults in the preclinical stage.

The Relationship between the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease and Beta Cell Function in Non-Diabetic Korean Adults

본 연구의 목적은 대한민국 20세 이상(50.32±16.14세)의 당뇨질환이 없는 성인에서 만성신장질환과 인슐린저항성(homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA-IR) 및 베타세포기능(homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function, HOMA-B)의 관련성에 대하여 조사하였다. 본 연구는 2015년도 국민건강영양조사 자료를 이용하여 당뇨질환이 없는 20세 이상의 대한민국 성인 4,380명을 대상으로 하였다. 본 연구결과에서 중요한 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 만성신장질환과 HOMA-IR와 관련하여, 관련변수를 보정한 후의 결과에서(Model 4), 그룹 1 (G1; estimated glomerular filtrationrate [eGFR], ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), 그룹 2 (G2; eGFR, 60∼89 mL/min/1.73 m2), 그룹 3a (G3a; eGFR, 30∼59 mL/min/1.73 m2), ≥그룹 3b (≥G3b; eGFR, ＜30 mL/min/1.73 m2)의 HOMA-IR 평균값(M±SE, 95% confidence interval [CI])은 각각 1.78±0.03 (1.73∼1.83), 1.87±0.03 (1.81∼1.93), 2.16±0.13 (1.91∼2.42) 및 2.59±0.24 (2.12∼3.06)으로 만성신장질환이 진행됨에 따라 HOMA-IR은 증가하였다(P＜0.001). 둘째, 만성신장질환과 HOMA-B와 관련하여, 관련변수를 보정한 후의 결과에서 (Model 4), G1, G2, G3a 및 ≥G3b의 HOMA-B 평균값 (M±SE, 95% CI)은 각각 87.46±1.21 (85.08∼89.84), 89.11±1.38 (86.40∼91.81), 104.82±5.91 (93.23∼116.42) 및 123.97±10.87 (102.66∼145.29)으로 만성신장질환이 진행됨에 따라 HOMA-B도 증가하였다(P＜0.001). 대한민국 당뇨질환이 없는 성인에서 만성신장질환이 진행됨에 따라 인슐린저항성이 증가하였고, 베타세포기능 또한 증가하였다.

Association between Breakfast Skipping and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance and the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Non-Diabetic Korean Adults Aged 40–79 Years

Association between Breakfast Skipping and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance and the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Non-Diabetic Korean Adults Aged 40–79 Years

The relationship between pulse pressure, insulin resistance, and beta cell function in non-diabetic Korean adults

AimsThe present study was conducted to assess the association of pulse pressure (PP) with insulin resistance and beta cell function in Korean non-diabetic populations. MethodsThis study used the data from the 2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey including 4380 adults, aged 20 or older. ResultsA multivariate analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β=0.089, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.004–0.011; p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β=−0.057, 95% CI −0.014 to −0.003; p=0.002), and PP (β=0.069, 95% CI 0.004–0.011; p<0.001) were significant factors determining the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). SBP (β=0.070, 95% CI, 0.113–0.420; p=0.001), DBP (β=−0.068, 95% CI −0.676 to −0.203; p<0.001), and PP (β=0.050, 95% CI 0.115–0.422; p=0.001) were significant factors determining the homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function (HOMA-B). In the analysis of covariance test, after adjusting for related variables (except age), the quartiles of PP were not associated with HOMA-IR (p=0.191) and were inversely associated with HOMA-B (p<0.001). However, when further adjusting for age, the quartiles of PP were positively associated with both HOMA-IR (p<0.001) and HOMA-B (p=0.027). ConclusionPP was positively associated with insulin resistance and beta cell function in non-diabetic Korean adults.

Gender difference in the relationship between the ferritin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in non-diabetic Korean adults.

BackgroundThe present study was conducted to assess gender difference in the relationship between the ferritin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell function (HOMA-B) in non-diabetic Korean adults.Materials and methodsA sample including 5,414 adults (2,279 men, 1,529 postmenopausal women, and 1,606 premenopausal women) aged ≥ 20 years from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1, 2010) was analyzed.ResultsThere were several key findings in the present study. First, in men, HOMA-IR (β = 0.119, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.304 to 8.003) constituted the independent factor determining ferritin, but this was not the case for HOMA-B (β = -0.042, 95% CI, -0.100 to 0.011). Second, in postmenopausal women, HOMA-IR (β = 0.087, 95% CI, 0.899 to 5.238) was the independent factor determining ferritin, but this was not the case for HOMA-B (β = -0.043, 95% CI, -0.065 to 0.010). Third, in premenopausal women, neither HOMA-IR (β = -0.050, 95% CI, -3.056 to 0.364) nor HOMA-B (β = -0.009, 95% CI, -0.028 to 0.020) constituted the independent factors determining ferritin.ConclusionsFerritin was positively associated with insulin resistance in non-diabetic Korean men and postmenopausal women, but not in non-diabetic Korean premenopausal women.

Association between 24-hour Urinary Sodium Excretion Levels and Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome among Non-Diabetic Korean Adults: The 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2010

Association between 24-hour Urinary Sodium Excretion Levels and Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome among Non-Diabetic Korean Adults: The 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2010

The influence of prehypertension, hypertension, and glycated hemoglobin on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in prediabetes: the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES).

It has been reported that elevated blood pressure (BP) was significantly associated with the increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is still limited information about the influence of BP on the risk for T2DM across the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). In a cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), 2830 non-diabetic Korean adults with prediabetes defined by HbA1c level of 5.7-6.4% were followed-up for 10 years. Multivariate cox proportional hazards assumption was used to assess the risk for T2DM according to the baseline BP categories (normal, prehypertension and hypertension) and HbA1c level (low: 5.7-5.9% and high: 6.0-6.4%). The risk for T2DM significantly increased proportionally to BP categories (adjusted HR; reference in normal BP, 1.32 [1.10-1.59] in prehypertension and 1.61 [1.35-1.92] in hypertension). Subgroup analysis indicated that individuals with high HbA1c had the higher risk for T2DM than individuals with low HbA1c regardless of BP. Additionally, combined presence of hypertension and high HbA1c had the highest risk for T2DM (adjusted HR: 3.82 [3.00-4.87]). In each systolic and diastolic BP level, the risk for T2DM significantly increased from systolic BP ≥ 130 mmHg (adjusted HRs: 1.39 ([1.15-1.71]) and diastolic BP ≥ 80 mmHg (adjusted HRs: 1.30 ([1.07-1.58]). BP and HbA1c may be useful tools in identifying individuals with prediabetes more potentially predisposed to T2DM. Prospective studies should be considered to examine whether controlling BP actually lowers the risk for T2DM.

Relationship between Skipping Meals and Impaired Fasting Glucose in Non-Diabetic Korean Adults

Relationship between Skipping Meals and Impaired Fasting Glucose in Non-Diabetic Korean Adults

Changes in Body Composition According to Age and Sex among Young Non-Diabetic Korean Adults: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study

BackgroundAge-related decreases in lean mass represent a serious health problem. We aimed to analyze the risks of rapid decreases in lean mass by age and sex in relatively young Korean adults during a 4-year follow-up study.MethodsA total of 65,856 non-diabetic participants (59.5% men, mean age 39.1 years) in a health screening program were subjected to bioimpedance body composition analyses and metabolic parameter analyses at baseline and after 4 years. The participants were sub-divided according to age, and additionally to six groups by age and the degree of body weight change over the 4-year period. The actual changes in body weight, lean mass, and fat mass and the percent changes over the 4-year period were assessed.ResultsThe percent change in lean mass decreased and the percent change of fat mass increased with increasing age in every age and sex group. However, the annual percent decrease in lean mass and percent increase in fat mass were significantly higher among women than among men (−0.26% vs. −0.15% and 0.34% vs. 0.42%, respectively; P<0.01). Participants who were older than 50 years and had a weight loss <−5% during the 4 years had significantly greater decreases in lean mass and smaller decreases in fat mass, compared to those who were younger than 50 years. An odds ratio analysis to determine the lowest quartile of the percent change in lean mass according to age group revealed that participants older than 60 years had a significantly increased risk of a rapid decrease in the lean mass percentage (2.081; 95% confidence interval, 1.678 to 2.581).ConclusionEven in this relatively young study population, the lean mass decreased significantly with age, and the risk of a rapid decrease in lean mass was higher among women than among men. Furthermore, the elderly exhibited a significantly more rapid decrease in lean mass, compared with younger participants.

Relationship between homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and beta cell function and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in non-diabetic Korean adults.

The purpose of this study is to look at these relationships in non-diabetic Korean adults. This study was based on data from the KNHANES V-1, which is representative of the population of Korea. A total of 5,492 participants (≥20 years in age) without type 1 or type 2 diabetes, assessed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], fasting blood glucose and insulin, as well as anthropometric variables, were included in the analyses. The key study results were as follows: First, vitamin D status [vitamin D deficient, 25(OH)D <25 nM; vitamin D insufficient, 25(OH)D ≥25, <50 nM; vitamin D sufficient, 25(OH)D ≥50 nM] was inversely associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell function (HOMA-B) in model 2 (adjusted for age and gender) and 3 (further adjusted for smoking, alcohol drinking, regular exercise, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and body mass index). Second, in model 4, when further adjusted for total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-C, vitamin D status was inversely associated with HOMA-B. However, association of vitamin D status and HOMA-IR was no longer significant. In conclusion, vitamin D was inversely associated with beta cell function in non-diabetic Korean adults but was not associated with insulin resistance.

Serum zinc concentration is inversely associated with insulin resistance but not related with metabolic syndrome in nondiabetic Korean adults.

Although zinc was known to be associated with insulin metabolism and diabetes, the relationship of serum zinc concentration with insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was not well investigated in general population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships of serum zinc concentration with IR and MetS in a nondiabetic adult population. This cross-sectional study included 656 men and 825 women who were nondiabetic adults from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2010. Serum zinc concentration and metabolic parameters were measured. IR was estimated by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2). MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Serum zinc concentration was negatively correlated with homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) in men (r = -0.104, P = 0.008), but not in women. After adjusting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, the inverse correlation was significant in both men and women (B = -0.262, SE = 0.060 for men, and B = -0.129, SE = 0.052 for women). However, serum zinc concentration was not different between the groups with and without MetS (P = 0.752 for men and P = 0.371 for women). In conclusion, serum zinc concentration was inversely associated with IR but not related to MetS in nondiabetic adult population.

Effects of a Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Program on C1q/TNF-Related Protein-3 (CTRP-3) and CTRP-5 Levels

OBJECTIVETo examine the effect of a combined exercise program on C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein (CTRP) 3 and CTRP-5 levels and novel adiponectin paralogs suggested to be links between metabolism and inflammation and to evaluate sex differences and association with cardiometabolic risk factors in humans with use of a newly developed ELISA.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSThis cross-sectional study explored the implications of CTRP-3 and CTRP-5 on cardiometabolic parameters in 453 nondiabetic Korean adults. In addition, we evaluated the impact of a 3-month combined exercise program on CTRP-3 and CTRP-5 levels in 76 obese women. The exercise program consisted of 45 min of aerobic exercise at an intensity of 60–75% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate (300 kcal/session) and 20 min of resistance training (100 kcal/session) five times per week.RESULTSBoth CTRP-3 and CTRP-5 concentrations were significantly higher in women (P < 0.001) than in men (P = 0.030). In a multiple stepwise regression analysis, CTRP-3 levels were independently associated with age, sex, and triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, adiponectin, and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels (R2 = 0.182). After 3 months of a combined exercise program, cardiometabolic risk factors, including components of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and RBP4 levels, decreased significantly. In particular, CTRP-3 levels decreased significantly (median [interquartile range] 444.3 [373.8–535.0] to 374.4 [297.2–435.9], P < 0.001), whereas CTRP-5 levels were slightly increased (34.1 [28.6–44.3] to 38.4 [29.8–55.1], P = 0.048).CONCLUSIONSA 3-month combined exercise program significantly decreased CTRP-3 levels and modestly increased CTRP-5 levels in obese Korean women.

Hemoglobin A1c Is Positively Correlated with Framingham Risk Score in Older, Apparently Healthy Nondiabetic Korean Adults

BackgroundSeveral studies have suggested that elevated levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in nondiabetic individuals. However, it is unclear whether HbA1c levels can serve as a simple screening marker for increased CVD risk in nondiabetic individuals. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between HbA1c levels and CVD risk using the Framingham risk score (FRS) in older, apparently healthy nondiabetic Korean adults.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 2,879 Korean adults between the ages of 40 and 79 who underwent voluntary health check-ups at the Health Promotion Center of our hospital from July 2009 to June 2011. Subjects were subdivided based on their HbA1c levels into four groups: tertiles within the HbA1c normal tolerance range and a group for subjects with an increased risk for diabetes (IRD).ResultsThe mean FRS for the upper tertile (9.6±3.8) group was significantly higher than that of the middle tertile (8.4±4.0) and lower tertile (7.6±3.8) groups. In addition, FRS was highest in the IRD group (10.5±3.7). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that HbA1c levels exhibited a significant positive correlation with FRS when adjusted for confounding variables in all subjects (β±standard error [SE], 0.018±0.002; R2, 0.131), women (β±SE, 0.023±0.003; R2, 0.170), and men (β±SE, 0.016±0.004; R2, 0.109).ConclusionHbA1c levels were positively correlated with FRS in older, apparently healthy nondiabetic Korean adults. We propose that HbA1c levels may reflect CVD risk in nondiabetic individuals.