Effects of impaired fasting glucose on aortic elasticity

Abstract

Background: The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis development in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is similar to that in nondiabetics. However, atherosclerosis develops earlier and runs a rapid course in patients with diabetes. Aortic stiffness, strain and distensibility are the parameters used to assess an increase in arterial stiffness and can be measured by invasive and non-invasive methods. Method: Aortic elastic properties were compared among patients with normal oral glucose tolerance test but impaired fasting glucose and healthy individuals. The study group consisted of 50 subjects with impaired fasting glucose who had no known risk factors for atherosclerosis. The control group was composed of the same number of volunteers. Results: It was found that aortic strain and distensibility were reduced (8.78±4.3 vs. 10.65±2.6 p<0.01 and 4.1±2.1 vs. 5.1±1.7 p<0.01 respectively) and aortic stiffness index was significantly increased (6.9±3.2 vs. 5.01±1.6, p<0.0001) in patients with impaired fasting glucose compared to those in the control group. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that aortic elasticity was impaired in those with impaired fasting glucose, which indicates that these patients should be kept under close follow-up for cardiovascular events. © J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG.