Clinical Significance, Pathogenesis, and Management of Postprandial Hyperglycemia

Abstract

It is well established that strict glycemic control (hemoglobin A_1c 140 mg/dL [>7.8 mmol/L]) in the face of normal fasting plasma glucose (1c (<6.1%) values is associated with a 2-fold increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. These observations imply that more strict glycemic control is required to prevent macrovascular disease than microvascular disease. This review summarizes epidemiologic and experimental studies linking postprandial hyperglycemia to cardiovascular disease and therapeutic approaches available and in development to treat this disorder.