Fasting plasma glucose and subsequent cardiovascular disease among young adults: Analysis of a nationwide epidemiological database

Background and aims: Using a nationwide epidemiological database, we aimed to clarify the association of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among young adults. Methods and results: Medical records of 1,180,062 young adults (20-49 years old) without a prior history of CVD and who were not taking antidiabetic medications were extracted from the Japan Medical Data Center. We categorized the study population into four groups: normal, FPG level 100 mg/dL (1,007,747 individuals), normal-high, FPG level of 100-109 mg/dL (126,602 individuals), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), FPG level of 110-125 mg/dL (32,451 individuals), and diabetes mellitus (DM), FPG level 126 mg/dL (13,262 individuals). The mean age was 39.7 +/- 6.9 years, and 57.0% of the study population were men. Mean follow-up period was 1201 +/- 905 days on average. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that IFG (hazard ratio [HR]; 1.38) and DM (HR; 2.09) increased the risk of myocardial infarction. Normal-high (HR; 1.11), IFG (HR; 1.18), and DM (HR; 1.59) groups had an elevated angina pectoris risk. DM (HR; 1.31) increased the risk of stroke compared to normal FPG levels. Normal-high levels (HR; 1.10), IFG (HR; 1.22) and DM (HR; 1.58) elevated the risk of heart failure. DM (HR; 1.69) increased the risk of atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: Our analysis of a nationwide epidemiological database demonstrated a close association of the FPG category with subsequent CVD risk. Our results exemplify the importance of optimal FPG maintenance for the primary prevention of CVD in young adults.

Automated summary

The study revealed a close association between FPG levels and cardiovascular disease risk in young adults, with IFG and DM increasing the risk of heart attack, angina pectoris, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal FPG levels for primary prevention of CVD in young adults.