Fasting glucose 103
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Understanding Fasting Glucose Levels and Their Implications
Fasting Glucose Levels and Insulin Resistance
Fasting glucose levels are a critical marker for assessing metabolic health. A fasting glucose level of 103 mg/dL, while slightly above the normal range, can indicate early signs of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Research has shown that miRNA-103 (miR-103) is significantly associated with insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Higher serum levels of miR-103 correlate with increased insulin resistance, triglycerides, and body mass index (BMI), suggesting that miR-103 could be a molecular link between insulin resistance and NAFLD 1.
Genetic Factors Influencing Fasting Glucose
Genetic predispositions play a significant role in fasting glucose levels. Genome-wide association studies have identified several loci associated with fasting glucose and insulin resistance. Notably, variants near genes such as ADCY5, MADD, and MTNR1B have been linked to higher fasting glucose levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. These genetic factors influence various biological processes, including signal transduction and glucose sensing, which are crucial for maintaining glucose homeostasis 26.
Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Glucose and Insulin Levels
Intermittent fasting has been shown to positively affect glucose and insulin levels. Studies indicate that intermittent fasting can lead to significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). For instance, a study on intermittent fasting revealed that it increased galectin-3 levels, which were inversely correlated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome scores. This suggests that intermittent fasting may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce cardiometabolic risks 37.
Fasting Glucose and Vascular Disease Risk
Elevated fasting glucose levels are also associated with an increased risk of vascular diseases, including coronary heart disease and stroke. A comprehensive meta-analysis of over 698,000 individuals found that diabetes and higher fasting glucose levels significantly increase the risk of various vascular diseases. The study highlighted that even modest elevations in fasting glucose levels, such as those seen in prediabetes, are associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke 4.
Demographic Factors Affecting Fasting Glucose
Demographic factors, including age and sex, influence fasting glucose levels. Research has shown that men generally have higher fasting glucose levels than women, and these levels tend to rise with age. Interestingly, in women, fasting glucose levels increase around menopause and are lower in those using sex hormones, suggesting a potential role of estrogen in glucose regulation. However, the overall increase in fasting glucose with age is relatively modest compared to the increase observed in glucose tolerance tests 5.
Conclusion
A fasting glucose level of 103 mg/dL, while slightly elevated, can be an early indicator of insulin resistance and potential metabolic issues. Genetic factors, lifestyle interventions like intermittent fasting, and demographic variables all play crucial roles in influencing fasting glucose levels. Understanding these factors can help in early identification and management of metabolic disorders, thereby reducing the risk of associated complications such as type 2 diabetes and vascular diseases.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
miRNA-103: molecular link between insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
miR-103 is involved in insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, potentially linking these disorders and offering a therapeutic target for these disorders.
Rigorous JournalNew genetic loci implicated in fasting glucose homeostasis and their impact on type 2 diabetes risk
New genetic loci have been identified influencing fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes risk, highlighting the potential of genetic studies of glycemic traits to identify risk factors and modest elevations in glucose levels.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous Journal
Highly CitedAbstract 10312: Intermittent Fasting and Increased Galectin-3 Reveal a Potential Protective Mechanism Against Risk of Heart Failure and Type 2 Diabetes
Intermittent fasting increases galectin-3 levels, which may help prevent chronic diseases by decreasing inflammation, improving insulin resistance, or reducing heart failure risk.
RCTRigorous JournalDiabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose concentration, and risk of vascular disease: a collaborative meta-analysis of 102 prospective studies.
Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of various vascular diseases by about two-fold, while fasting blood glucose concentration is modestly and non-linearly associated with vascular disease risk in people without diabetes.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedFactors associated with the distribution of fasting plasma glucose in an adult community.
The normal range of fasting plasma glucose is relatively independent of age and body mass, and male-female differences are not large enough to require sex-specific standards.
Observational StudyVariants in MTNR1B influence fasting glucose levels
Variants in MTNR1B gene are associated with fasting glucose levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedThe effect of fasting and energy restricting diets on markers of glucose and insulin controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Fasting or energy-restricting diets significantly reduce fasting blood sugars, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels, but have modest, non-significant effects on HbA1c levels.
Meta-AnalysisA common haplotype of the glucokinase gene alters fasting glucose and birth weight: association in six studies and population-genetics analyses.
Common variation in the glucokinase gene is associated with fasting glucose and fetal growth, but no strong evidence of positive selection exists.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedIs fasting glucose sufficient to define diabetes? Epidemiological data from 20 European studies
Fasting glucose alone is insufficient to diagnose diabetes, as it excludes 31% of diabetic subjects with non-diabetic fasting glucose but diabetic 2-h glucose levels, and the risk profile of impaired fasting glycaemia depends on 2-h glucose concentrations.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedMicroRNAs 103 and 107 regulate insulin sensitivity
MicroRNAs 103 and 107 directly regulate insulin sensitivity, providing a new target for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly Cited