Preprocedure hyperglycemia is more strongly associated with restenosis in diabetic patients after percutaneous coronary intervention than is hemoglobin A1C.

BACKGROUND

Although more frequent in diabetic patients, restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is less common in those with good glycemic control. High circulating insulin levels may also be associated with more frequent restenosis.

METHODS

Fasting blood samples were obtained from 162 diabetic patients immediately prior to the PCI and analyzed for glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and insulin. Nine-month follow-up information was obtained in 145 (89.5%) patients. Target vessel revascularization (TVR) was the surrogate for restenosis.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into quartiles with regard to their blood levels. Insulin, calculated insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1C were not associated with increased TVR rates. Glucose level was significantly associated (P=.02). Patients in the two lower quartiles (glucose < or = 128 mg/dl) had a 9-month TVR rate of 12.7% while those in the two higher quartiles (>128 mg/dl) had a rate of 33.8% (P=.005). Level of glucose was independent of hemoglobin A1C. In patients whose A1C level was < or = 7%, the TVR rate was greater in those with a glucose level >128 mg/dl (39.1% vs. 10.6%, P=.009). Similarly, in patients with a hemoglobin A1C level >7%, the TVR rate was lower in patients with a glucose level < or = 128 mg/dl, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (16.6% vs. 31.3%, P=.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemoglobin A1C, insulin, and insulin resistance at the time of the PCI are not associated with restenosis. Periprocedural hyperglycemia may promote restenosis in diabetics.