Postprandial hyperglycemia is highly prevalent throughout the day in type 2 diabetes patients

Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2011 Jul;93(1):31-7. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2011.03.021. Epub 2011 Apr 16.

Abstract

Aim: Although postprandial hyperglycemia is recognized as an important target in type 2 diabetes treatment, information on the prevalence of postprandial hyperglycemia throughout the day is limited. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of hyperglycemia throughout the day in type 2 diabetes patients and healthy controls under standardized dietary, but otherwise free-living conditions.

Methods: 60 male type 2 diabetes patients (HbA(1c) 7.5±0.1% [58±1 mmol/mol]) and 24 age- and BMI-matched normal glucose tolerant controls were recruited to participate in a comparative study of daily glycemic control. During a 3-day experimental period, blood glucose concentrations throughout the day were assessed by continuous glucose monitoring.

Results: Type 2 diabetes patients experienced hyperglycemia (glucose concentrations >10 mmol/L) 38±4% of the day. Even diabetes patients with an HbA(1c) level below 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) experienced hyperglycemia for as much as 24±5% throughout the day. Hyperglycemia was negligible in the control group (3±1%).

Conclusion: Hyperglycemia is highly prevalent throughout the day in type 2 diabetes patients, even in those patients with a HbA(1c) level well below 7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Standard medical care with prescription of oral blood glucose lowering medication does not provide ample protection against postprandial hyperglycemia.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology*
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / diagnosis*
  • Hyperglycemia / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A