Early markers of atherosclerosis in patients with impaired fasting glucose.

Abstract

Introduction. It is known that increased plasma glucose, which includes impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and diabetes, is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Individuals with IFG exhibit a higher rate of cardiovascular events compared with those with normal fasting glucose. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether IFG has an influence on early markers of atherosclerosis [intima media thickness (IMT), strain (S, deformation of the vessels wall), and strain rate (Sr, deformation over time)] in common ca­rotid artery (CCA) compare to healthy subjects (without disturbances of glucose metabolism).

Patients and methods. A group of 25 dysglycemic patients with IFG and 15 healthy subjects of similar age and gender were examined. Blood analyses and anthropometric measurement [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR)] were obtained. Carotid IMT, S, and Sr were measured by tissue Doppler. IFP was diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria for IFG in Poland.

Results. Patients with IFG had higher DBP and IMT of CCA (right and left) compared with control. There was no difference in SBP and HR between patients with IFG and controls. Strain of CCA was decreased in subject with IFG compared with controls and strain rate of CCA was increased in patients with IFG compared with the controls.

Conclusion. IFG may have an influence on early markers of atherosclerosis, but further investigations are needed to confirm these observations.