Normal triglyceride concentration and the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 in the general population of China

Abstract

IntroductionHypertriglyceridemia and its derivatives are independent predictors of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). However, the relationship between triglyceride concentrations within the normal range and the incidence of T2DM remains to be clarified. This study investigated the potential relationship between variations in plasma triglyceride levels within the normal range and T2DM onset using data from a longitudinal study of health and retirement in China.MethodsBetween, 2010 and, 2016, we conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 36,441 individuals with normal triglyceride levels. Using a Cox proportional hazards regression model, we examined the connection between normal triglyceride levels and T2DM incidence. We employed this method with smooth curve fitting to investigate potential nonlinear associations. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, sex, body mass index, smoking and drinking status, hypertension, and family history of diabetes.ResultsA significant linear relationship was observed between normal triglyceride levels and the incidence of T2DM. The hazard ratio for T2DM in individuals with normal triglycerides was 1.81 (95% confidence interval: 1.39, 2.36); P<0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis further demonstrated a prospective association between the higher tertiles of normal triglyceride levels and the development of T2DM (P<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a stronger positive correlation between normal triglyceride levels in females and the risk of T2DM.DiscussionAn increase in triglyceride levels within the normal range is related to a continuous increase in the incidence of T2DM in the general population. These findings show that almost everyone can benefit from reducing triglyceride levels, further emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes in the general population.

Fasting Triglycerides in the Upper Normal Range Are Independently Associated with an Increased Risk of Diabetes Mortality in a Large Representative US Population

“…So far, only a few studies have explored the association between normal triglycerides and diabetes [14][15][16][17], and they have found that triglycerides in the upper normal range are positively associated with the prevalence [17] and new-onset of diabetes [14][15][16]. The current study expands our knowledge and found that triglycerides in the upper normal range were also associated with diabetes mortality.…”

“…To date, only a few studies have examined the relationship between triglycerides and diabetes in individuals with normal triglyceride levels [14][15][16][17]. Three independent studies discovered that higher normal triglycerides are associated with a higher risk of newonset type 2 diabetes in individuals from Israel [14], China [15], and the Netherlands [16]. Another study found a positive association between normal triglyceride levels and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Chinese adults [17].…”

Non-Fasting Plasma Triglycerides Are Positively Associated with Diabetes Mortality in a Representative US Adult Population

“…Many studies have shown a positive relationship between triglycerides and diabetes prevalence [7] and incidence [26][27][28][29][30]. In addition, fibrates, triglyceride-lowering medications, protect against diabetes in both mice [31] and humans [32][33][34].…”