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

• Published in: Diabetes research and clinical practice 2011-07, Vol.93 (1), p.31-37
• Main Authors: van Dijk, Jan-Willem, Manders, Ralph J.F, Hartgens, Fred, Stehouwer, Coen D, Praet, Stephan F.E, van Loon, Luc J.C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blood Glucose - drug effects; Continuous glucose monitoring; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - drug therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - physiopathology; Endocrinology & Metabolism; Glycated Hemoglobin A - metabolism; Glycemic control; Humans; Hyperglycemia - diagnosis; Hyperglycemia - metabolism; Male; Middle Aged; Normal glucose tolerance; Postprandial hyperglycemia; Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• ISSN: 0168-8227; 1872-8227
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2011.03.021

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 (HbA1c 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 HbA1c 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 HbA1c 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.