Effects of Fasting Blood Glucose on the Progression of Arterial Stiffness in Nondiabetic Population

Abstract Background To investigate the relationship between baseline fasting blood glucose levels and the progression of arterial stiffness in nondiabetic population. Methods In this research, the individuals participated in the Kailuan research cohort and completed 2 tests of brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) from 2010 to 2018 and were not diabetic at the first baPWV testing were included. A multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the impact of baseline fasting blood glucose levels on baPWV and its progress during the follow-up. Results A total of 16,875 with 10,453 male (61.94%) subjects met the inclusion criteria. The average age at baseline (the first baPWV measurement) was (45.9 ± 13.0) years old and the average baPWV was (1,439.0 ± 309.3) cm/s. During the follow-up (the second baPWV measurement), the average age was (49.6 ± 13.3) years old, and the average baPWV was (1,494.6 ± 334.3) cm/s. The baPWV progression in the observed subjects was (55.7 ± 233.4) cm/s. After adjusted for other confounding factors, multiple linear regression analysis found that there was a positive correlation between the baseline fasting blood glucose levels and the follow-up baPWV. With every 1 mmol/l baseline fasting blood glucose increase, the follow-up baPWV increased 16.89 cm/s. With every 1 mmol/l fasting blood glucose level increase, the progress of baPWV increased by 3.70 cm/s. Conclusions Fasting blood glucose levels in nondiabetics affect arterial stiffness during follow-up. Elevated fasting blood glucose levels during the follow-up period are a risk factor that may increase the progression of arterial stiffness.