Age-and-Sex Specific Profile of Temporal Fasting Plasma Glucose Variability in a Routine Health Screening Population

Abstract

BackgroundFasting plasma glucose (FPG) variability is an important predictor of mortality, mainly in patients with a poor glycemic control. This study aims to explore the temporal age-and-sex specific profile of temporal FPG variability in a routine health screening Chinese population and to guide the prevention and control of diabetes for targeted public health intervention.MethodsWe used the general linear model to compare differences of temporal FPG values between gender and across age groups of 101886 Nanjing residents who took part in the routine physical health examination at the Health Management Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in 2018. Variability of FPG caused by time, age and gender independently or in combination was analyzed.ResultsThe participants included 57455(56.4%) males and 44431(43.6%) females, with the mean age of 42.8±15.0 years. The average FPG level was 5.5±1.1 mmol/L. The monthly variation contributed 22% of the overall FPG variability. A significant main effect for age group was observed (F=7.39, P <0.05), with a good fitting effect (Eta-squared =0.15). Variability of FPG showed gender differences by comparing the percentage differences of coefficient of variation which was higher in males than females. There were significant interaction effects of month*age*gender and day*age*gender.ConclusionsTemporal variability of FPG is obvious in the general Chinese population, which is affected by both age and gender. To avoid complications associated with FPG variability such as hypoglycemia, interventions should be directed at females and males at specific ages for optimal control of FPG variability and reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular outcomes