To examine the associations between plasma markers of glucose metabolism and blood pressure as well as vascular health in non-diabetic individuals, considering the mediating role of FGF21.
Approach:
Study Design: Analysis of data from 228 non-diabetic adults from the MEGA study using multivariable linear regression models.
Measurements: Evaluated fasting glucose, two-hour glucose levels from an oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c in relation to blood pressure parameters and vascular health indicators.
Key Findings:
Two-hour glucose levels were positively associated with systolic BP [β = 2.23; 95% CI (0.29; 4.17); P = 0.024], mean arterial pressure [β = 1.70; 95% CI (0.07; 3.34); P = 0.042], diastolic BP [β = 1.48; 95% CI (0.06; 2.91); P = 0.041], and augmentation index [β = 0.96; 95% CI (0.06; 1.86); P = 0.037] before adjusting for multiple testing.
Associations with systolic BP were noted among non-obese individuals and with peripheral augmentation index in participants younger than 40 years.
No notable mediation effects of FGF21 were found in any of the associations.
Interpretation:
Higher post-challenge glucose levels showed associations with blood pressure and vascular function in specific demographic groups, but these did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing.
Limitations:
Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to lack of statistical significance after multiple testing adjustments.
The study is limited to a population-based sample of non-diabetic adults, which may not generalize to other populations.
Conclusion:
The study indicates potential associations between glucose metabolism and vascular health indicators in non-diabetic adults, but findings should be interpreted with caution due to lack of statistical significance after adjustments.
