Postprandial glycemia and cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

This article reviews the role of fasting and postprandial glycemia to the overall glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes and glucose intolerance, as well as their causal relationship upon micro and macrovascular complications. Recent studies have suggested that a third component of the glucose triad, the postprandial glucose excursions, might have a role in the overall glycemic load and might also reflect glycemic control. Epidemiological and intervention studies are presented in the article, supporting the conclusion that postprandial hyperglycemia in impaired glucose tolerance and diabetic subjects is a more powerful marker of cardiovascular disease risk than fasting hyperglycemia, then the treatment directed at specifically lowering postprandial glucose is crucial, as underlined by the American Diabetes Association.