Fasting glucose 107
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Understanding Fasting Glucose Levels and Their Implications
Fasting Glucose Levels: Definition and Significance
Fasting glucose levels are a critical measure of how well the body manages blood sugar. A fasting glucose level of 107 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range (70-99 mg/dL) and falls into the category of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), which is a form of prediabetes. This condition indicates that the body is starting to have trouble managing blood sugar levels, which can be a precursor to type 2 diabetes and other health issues.
Genetic Factors Influencing Fasting Glucose
Research has identified several genetic loci that influence fasting glucose levels. A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving over 46,000 nondiabetic participants identified 16 loci associated with fasting glucose and beta-cell function, including genes like ADCY5, MADD, and SLC2A2 1. These genetic factors can modestly elevate glucose levels without necessarily leading to overt diabetes, but they do increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes 1.
Impact of Diet on Fasting Glucose
Dietary interventions, particularly fasting and energy-restricting diets, have been shown to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that such diets led to a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar (WMD: -3.376 mg/dL), insulin levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) 2. These findings suggest that dietary modifications can be an effective strategy for managing elevated fasting glucose levels and reducing the risk of progression to diabetes.
Specific Genetic Variants and Their Effects
Variants in the MTNR1B gene, which encodes the melatonin receptor 1B, have been consistently associated with higher fasting glucose levels. Each G allele at the rs10830963 locus is linked to an increase of 0.07 mmol/L in fasting glucose and reduced beta-cell function, which also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes 3. This highlights the role of specific genetic variants in influencing fasting glucose and diabetes risk.
Fasting Glucose and Vascular Disease Risk
Elevated fasting glucose levels are also associated with an increased risk of vascular diseases. A large meta-analysis involving nearly 700,000 individuals found that diabetes doubles the risk of coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke, among other vascular conditions 4. Even in individuals without diabetes, higher fasting glucose levels (above 5.59 mmol/L) are modestly associated with increased vascular risk 4. This underscores the importance of maintaining healthy glucose levels to prevent cardiovascular complications.
Conclusion
A fasting glucose level of 107 mg/dL indicates impaired fasting glucose, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes and increase the risk of vascular diseases. Genetic factors, particularly specific loci and variants, play a significant role in influencing fasting glucose levels. Dietary interventions, such as fasting and energy-restricting diets, can effectively reduce fasting glucose and insulin resistance. Understanding these factors and taking proactive measures can help manage and mitigate the risks associated with elevated fasting glucose levels.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
New 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-Analysis
Rigorous Journal
Highly 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-AnalysisVariants 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 CitedDiabetes 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 CitedFasting glucose level and the risk of incident osteoporosis in the Koreans.
Elevated fasting glucose levels are significantly associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis in both men and women.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalIs 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 CitedA 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 CitedNormal fasting plasma glucose levels and type 2 diabetes in young men.
Higher fasting plasma glucose levels within the normal range are an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes in young men, and may help identify seemingly healthy men at increased risk for diabetes.
Observational StudyHighly CitedGlucose Metabolism after Overnight and Prolonged Fasting in Healthy Subjects
Higher glucose excursions and reduced insulin response occur after 36 hours of fasting compared to overnight fasting in healthy subjects.
Non-RCTRigorous JournalImpaired fasting glucose: how low should it go?
Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) has no clear cutoff value, and using a lower limit of approximately 5.8 mmol/l may better define a group similar to impaired glucose tolerance in terms of prevalence and risk of future diabetes.
Observational StudyHighly Cited