A 44-year-old male was found to have a fasting finger stick blood glucose level of 110 mg/dl. His fasting blood sugar levels were measured twice in the laboratory, and are 112 and 114 mg/dl, respectively. He denies any symptoms or past medical problems. He does not smoke or drink. He has a strong family history of diabetes mellitus. His physical examination, including weight and blood pressure, is unremarkable. His HDL cholesterol is 42 mg/dl and LDL cholesterol is 128 mg/dl. His HbA1c is 5.9%. Urinalysis is unremarkable. The findings described above put the patient at an increased risk of which of the following?

Question

A 44-year-old male was found to have a fasting finger stick blood glucose level of 110 mg/dl.  His fasting blood sugar levels were measured twice in the laboratory, and are 112 and 114 mg/dl, respectively.  He denies any symptoms or past medical problems.  He does not smoke or drink.  He has a strong family history of diabetes mellitus.  His physical examination, including weight and blood pressure, is unremarkable.  His HDL cholesterol is 42 mg/dl and LDL cholesterol is 128 mg/dl.  His HbA1c is 5.9%.  Urinalysis is unremarkable.  The findings described above put the patient at an increased risk of which of the following?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Explanation: The American Diabetes Association has proposed a new fasting blood glucose (126 mg/dl or above) criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose values between 109 and 126 were previously classified as impaired fasting plasma glucose. The criterion for impaired fasting was recently changed to blood glucose values falling between 100 and 126 mg/dl. Fasting blood glucose values below 100 mg/dl are considered normal. Patients with impaired fasting blood glucose values are at risk for coronary artery disease (even with a normal lipid profile) and progression to overt diabetes. (Choices A and D)Chronic complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy or neuropathy, are highly unlikely to occur at this level of glycemia. (Choice B and E)An impaired fasting blood glucose value is not a risk factor for the development of cataracts or urinary tract infections. Educational objective: Patients with impaired fasting blood glucose values are at risk for coronary artery disease (even with a normal lipid profile) and progression to overt diabetes.

A 44-Year-Old Male Was Found to Have a Fasting Finger