title: Red blood cell distribution width predicts two-hours plasma glucose levels during OGTT.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a numerical measure, reported as part of a standard complete blood count, usually employed for differential diagnosis of anemic state. Some lines of evidence demonstrate that RDW associates with type 2 diabetes incidence and its complications. To further explore the role of RDW as predictor of abnormal glucose metabolism, we have analyzed the relationship between RDW and 2-hours plasma glucose concentration during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-five outpatients were enrolled for the present study. Participants underwent 75 g OGTT and measurements of hematological parameters. Cardiovascular disease risk factors (blood pressure, blood lipids, cigarette smoking, obesity) were evaluated by routine methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In simple regression analysis 2-hours post-load glucose was directly associated with age (r = 0.36, p = 0.01), fasting glucose levels (r = 0.40, p = 0.002) and RDW (r = 0.31, p = 0.037). In multiple regression analysis fasting glucose, RDW, triglycerides and age significantly and independently predicted 2-hours plasma glucose (p <  0.01 for all coefficients).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present findings demonstrate that RDW associates with plasma glucose concentration after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Our results highlight the role of RDW as predictor of glucose metabolism disturbance.
authors.forename: Cesare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tripolino
authors.forename: Concetta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Irace
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carallo
authors.forename: Maria Serena
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: De Franceschi
authors.forename: Faustina Barbara
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Scavelli
authors.forename: Agostino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gnasso
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004906:Erythrocyte Count / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose
keywords: OGTT; Red blood distribution width; diabetes