Postprandial dysmetabolism and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes
- Department of Endocrinology/Diabetes Centre, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence to: Dr M E Tushuizen Department of Endocrinology/Diabetes Centre, VU University Medical Centre, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; m.tushuizenvumc.nl
- Received 12 February 2004
- Accepted 22 April 2004
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions. The so-called traditional risk factors cannot fully explain the excessive cardiovascular disease risk of type 2 diabetic patients. Numerous studies indicate that postprandial metabolic derangements, most notably hyperglycaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia, which are exaggerated and prolonged in type 2 diabetes, are important cardiovascular disease risk factors since they induce oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunctions. This review discusses the current evidence showing that postprandial dysmetabolism may indeed constitute an important cardiovascular disease risk factor as well as the mechanisms underlying this association. Finally, some possible therapeutic options and recommendations for future research are discussed.
- 2hPG, two hour glucose concentrations after a 75 g glucose load
- DECODE, Diabetes Epidemiology: Collaborative analysis Of Diagnostic criteria in Europe
- FMD, flow mediated dilatation
- HDL, high density lipoprotein
- ICAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1
- LDL, low density lipoprotein
- PAI-1, plasmin activator inhibitor-1
- TRL, triglyceride rich lipoprotein
- VCAM-1, vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1
- VLDL, very low density lipoprotein
- vWF, von Willebrand’s factor
