Screen detected subjects with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance have more adverse cardiovascular risk than subjects with impaired fasting glucose especially when they are obese: the ADDITION Netherlands study.

AIMS

To determine cardiovascular risk of screen detected subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG). To examine whether BMI is an effect modifier regarding the relation between level of glucose regulation and cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

From 2002 to 2003, 29,251 persons, aged 50-70 years, participated in a population-based diabetes screening programme. Diagnosis was based on the 1999 WHO criteria. Characteristics were assessed of 285 subjects with T2DM, 175 with IGT and 218 with IFG.

RESULTS

IFG did not resemble IGT and T2DM regarding weight and blood pressure. BMI (kg/m2) was 27.3+/-4.4, 29.5+/-5.7, 30.7+/-5.6 in IFG, IGT, DM, respectively; systolic blood pressure (mmHg) 150+/-25, 161+/-24, 162+/-23; diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) 84+/-12, 89+/-12, 90+/-11. The poorer the glycaemic control, the worse levels of BMI, blood pressure and lipids. When BMI was higher, cardiovascular risk factors were more adverse, especially in subjects with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with IFG had lower blood pressure and weight than subjects with IGT and T2DM suggesting IFG is a condition with less risk to develop cardiovascular diseases. Effect modification by BMI was found.