Change in common carotid artery diameter, distensibility and compliance in subjects with a recent history of impaired glucose tolerance: a 3-year follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the development of common carotid artery properties (diameter, distensibility and compliance) in a cohort of 140 subjects (mean age 65.8 years, SD 7.5 years) originally diagnosed as impaired glucose tolerant in a population-based study, and to explore determinants of changes observed.


METHODS
An observational, longitudinal study over a 3-year-period.


METHODS
Vessel wall movement detector system based on ultrasonography, linear generalized estimating equations.


RESULTS
Carotid artery diameter rose from 6.87-7.02 mm (+ 2.2%, P<0.001). Distensibility decreased from 11.8 to 10.9 x 10-3 kPa-1 (-8.3%, P=0.009). Compliance decreased from 0.44-043 mm2 kPa-1 (P=0.17). Changes in blood pressure level were negatively associated with changes in distensibility and compliance. Baseline fasting glucose levels were positively associated with changes in diameter, while fasting insulin levels were negatively associated with changes in distensibility and compliance in men, but not in women.


CONCLUSIONS
In subjects with a recent history of impaired glucose tolerance, we observed an increase in carotid artery diameter and a decrease in distensibility. Change in blood pressure level and baseline fasting glucose and HbA1c levels were positively related to the increase in diameter. In men, but not in women, baseline fasting insulin levels were associated with an acceleration of these changes.
van Dijk
R A
RA
Institute for Cardiovascular Research Vrije Universiteit and Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Nijpels
G
G
Twisk
J W
JW
Steyn
M
M
Dekker
J M
JM
Heine
R J
RJ
Donker
A J
AJ
Stehouwer
C D
CD
D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology; D005215:Fasting / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011674:Pulse; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000503:physiopathology*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007328:Insulin