Coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes are chronic diseases of substantial and growing prevalence. Although diabetes is a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, this risk is not confined to glucose levels above the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. Rather, there is now a growing consensus that nondiabetic hyperglycemia measured by fasting glucose, postload glucose or glycated hemoglobin is a progressive, continuous risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes. Whether dysglycemia is a marker for a more complex metabolic condition or may directly contribute to excess cardiovascular risk is still a matter of debate. While strategies designed to normalize glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes remain inconclusive, diabetes prevention trials suggest that along with reduction of the rate of conversion toward diabetes, a significant improvement in cardiovascular risk factors occurs. Moreover, a number of ongoing studies may provide answers to this question. Recognition that nondiabetic hyperglycemia is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk may suggest new ways for preventing cardiovascular disease.
Hyperglycemia and cardiovascular risk
DEL PRATO, STEFANO;MICCOLI, ROBERTO
2011-01-01
Abstract
Coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes are chronic diseases of substantial and growing prevalence. Although diabetes is a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, this risk is not confined to glucose levels above the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. Rather, there is now a growing consensus that nondiabetic hyperglycemia measured by fasting glucose, postload glucose or glycated hemoglobin is a progressive, continuous risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes. Whether dysglycemia is a marker for a more complex metabolic condition or may directly contribute to excess cardiovascular risk is still a matter of debate. While strategies designed to normalize glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes remain inconclusive, diabetes prevention trials suggest that along with reduction of the rate of conversion toward diabetes, a significant improvement in cardiovascular risk factors occurs. Moreover, a number of ongoing studies may provide answers to this question. Recognition that nondiabetic hyperglycemia is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk may suggest new ways for preventing cardiovascular disease.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
