Time for considering other blood pressure target values in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes?

Although blood pressure control has undoubtedly proven its benefits in reducing the high cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it still remains unclear whether intensive antihypertensive treatment in old age (> 75 years) is beneficial. Many of the current guidelines recommend a systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 140 mmHg or lower, unless patients are at high risk for possible adverse events such as postural hypotension (1,2). This perspective aims to get a discussion started on the appropriate target SBP value for patients with T2DM aged older than 75 years.We would like to propose the less stringent value of< 160 mmHg in this specific population.

Glycaemic control and the risk of mortality in elderly type 2 diabetic patients (ZODIAC-20)

AIMS

Studies on macrovascular consequences of glucose control in elderly patients (>75 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between HbA(1c) and mortality in this specific population.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 1999, 374 primary care patients with T2DM aged older than 75 years participated in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care study, a prospective observational study. Early 2009, data on mortality were collected. Updated means for annually measured HbA(1c) values were calculated after a follow-up time of 10 years. Updated mean HbA(1c) was used as a time-dependent covariate in a Cox proportional hazard model. Main outcome measures were all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Analyses were performed in strata according to diabetes duration (<5, 5-11 and ≥11 years).

RESULTS

  In the group with a diabetes duration <5 years, an increase of 1% in the updated mean HbA(1c) level was associated with an increase in all-cause and CVD mortality risk of 51% (95% CI 17-95%) and 72% (95% CI 19-148%), respectively. Glycaemic control was not related to mortality for patients with a diabetes duration ≥5 years.

CONCLUSION

Poor glycaemic control is related to increased all-cause and CVD mortality in patients >75 years with T2DM of short duration (<5 years).

DISCUSSION

Because of the observational study design, our results should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, they are suggestive that improving glycaemic control may be beneficial in elderly patients with T2DM, especially in those with recently diagnosed T2DM. Randomised-controlled trials are necessary to investigate whether this holds true.

A polymorphism in the gene encoding carnosinase (CNDP1) as a predictor of mortality and progression from nephropathy to end-stage renal disease in type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Homozygosity for a five leucine repeat (5L-5L) in the carnosinase gene (CNDP1) has been found to be cross-sectionally associated with a low frequency of diabetic nephropathy (DN), mainly in type 2 diabetes. We prospectively investigated in patients with type 1 diabetes whether: (1) 5L-5L is associated with mortality; (2) there is an interaction of 5L-5L with DN or sex for prediction of mortality; and (3) 5L-5L is associated with progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

METHODS

In this prospective study in white European patients with type 1 diabetes, individuals with DN were defined by persistent albuminuria ≥ 300 mg/24 h. Controls without nephropathy were defined by persistent (>15 years) normoalbuminuria < 30 mg/24 h. Leucine repeats were assessed with a fluorescent DNA analysis system. Onset of ESRD was defined by need to start chronic dialysis or kidney transplantation.

RESULTS

The study involved 916 patients with DN and 1,170 controls. During follow-up for 8.8 years, 107 patients (14%) with 5L-5L died compared with 182 patients (13.8%) with other genotypes (p = 0.99). There was no significant interaction of 5L-5L with DN for prediction of mortality (p = 0.57), but a trend towards interaction with sex (p = 0.08). In patients with DN, HR for ESRD in 5L-5L vs other genotypes was not constant over time, with increased risk for 5L-5L beyond 8 years of follow-up (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

CNDP1 polymorphism was not associated with mortality, and nor was there an interaction of this polymorphism with DN for prediction of mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes. CNDP1 polymorphism predicts progression to ESRD in patients with DN, but only late after baseline measurements.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose in tablet-treated type 2 diabetic patients (ZODIAC)

BACKGROUND

Whether self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) improves glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) not using insulin is questionable. Our aim was to investigate the effects of SMBG in patients with T2DM who were in persistent moderate glycaemic control whilst not using insulin.

METHODS

Patients were eligible when between 18 and 70 years of age, with an HbA1c between 7 and 8.5%, using one or two oral blood glucose lowering agents. Forty-one of the anticipated 52 patients were randomly assigned to receive either SMBG added to usual care, or to continue with usual care for one year. A fasting glucose value and three postprandial glucose values were measured twice weekly (including a Saturday or a Sunday). The primary efficacy parameter was HbA1c. Furthermore, health-related quality of life and treatment satisfaction were assessed using the Short-form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), the Type 2 Diabetes Symptom Checklist (DSC-r), the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) and the WHO -Wellbeing Index (WHO-5).

RESULTS

Change in HbA1c between groups was -0.05% (95% CI: -0.51, 0.41; p=0.507). Also, there were no significant changes between groups on the DTSQ , DSC type 2, WHO-5 or SF -36, except for the SF -36 dimension 'health change' which was lower in the SBMG group (mean difference: -12 (95% CI: -20.9, -3.1).

CONCLUSION

On top of the absence of a clinical benefit, tablet-treated T2DM patients experienced some worsening of their health perception. We therefore argue that the use of SMBG in this patient group is questionable, and its unlimited use and promotion should be reconsidered.

Alpha lipoic acid: a new treatment for neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes?

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain is difficult to treat. We identified those studies in the literature in which the effectiveness of alpha lipoic acid as a treatment for neuropathic pain was evaluated.

METHODS

Systematic literature review. The databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched using the keywords 'lipoic acid', 'thioctic acid', 'diabet*', and the medical subject headings (MeSH ) 'thioctic acid' and 'diabetes mellitus'. Randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses were selected and assessed for their methodological quality.

RESULTS

Five RCTs and one meta-analysis were found. The Total Symptom Score (TSS) was used as the primary outcome measure. A significant improvement in the TSS was reported in four of the RCTs. An oral or intravenous alpha lipoic dose of at least 600 mg per day resulted in a 50% reduction in the TSS. However, compared with the control group, the TSS reduction in most groups was less than 30%, which is the threshold presumed to be clinically relevant. Four RCTs were of good quality (level of evidence 1b), one RCT had methodological limitations (level 2b), and the methodological quality of the meta-analysis was insufficient for the purposes of this review.

CONCLUSION

Based on the currently available evidence, when given intravenously at a dosage of 600 mg once daily over a period of three weeks, alpha lipoic acid leads to a significant and clinically relevant reduction in neuropathic pain (grade of recommendation A). It is unclear if the significant improvements seen after three to five weeks of oral administration at a dosage of >or= 600 mg daily are clinically relevant.

The relationship between obesity and cancer mortality in type 2 diabetes: a ten-year follow-up study (ZODIAC-21)

BACKGROUND

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as patients with obesity have increased cancer mortality. In a previous paper we suggested that there was a trend for decreased mortality in obese individuals with T2DM. The aim of the new analyses was to investigate the same relationship after increasing our sample size and extending our follow-up period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

1353 patients were followed prospectively as part of the ZODIAC study. The cancer mortality rate was evaluated using standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and its association with BMI (kg/m(2)) and obesity (>30 kg/m(2)) with Cox proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up time of 9.8 years, 570 patients had died, of whom 122 died from malignancy. The SMR for cancer mortality was 1.47 (95%CI 1.22-1.76). BMI and obesity were not associated with cancer death.

CONCLUSION

The trend towards an inverse relationship between obesity and cancer mortality as reported previously disappeared after increasing sample size and follow-up to 9.6 years.

eGFR and creatinine clearance in relation to metabolic changes in an unselected patient population

BACKGROUND

It is widely assumed that moderate to severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <60 ml/min; or an MDRD-4 (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation) <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) is associated with metabolic changes, often needing further assessment and treatment. We investigated whether such abnormalities are already present at earlier stages of kidney disease, as assessed by 24-hour urine sampling and MDRD-4 calculation.

METHODS

A select, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Creatinine clearance was measured by collecting 24-hour urines. The individual eGFRs were calculated with the MDRD-4 formula and patients were then divided by renal function category (<15, 15-30, 30-45, 45-60, 60-90, >90 ml/min(/1.73 m(2))). Per clearance category the number of people with anaemia, hypokalaemia, uraemia and hyperphosphataemia was evaluated.

RESULTS

The median creatinine clearance rate was 67.3 ml/min (quartiles: 42.9-95.8) versus a median MDRD-4-eGFR of 51.6 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (35.8-67.7). Anaemia, hyperkalaemia, hypocalcaemia, and uraemia were found to be present at higher levels of creatinine clearance rate and eGFR than previously reported (p<0.0005). This increased prevalence was more pronounced in elderly subjects, particularly with respect to anaemia (OR 2.71 and 2.02 for MDRD-4 and creatinine clearance respectively, p<0.0005). The same holds for the proportion with uraemia (OR 1.85, p<0.0005) and hypocalcaemia (OR 1.97, p=0.011) for MDRD-4.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic changes in an in- and outpatient hospital population are present at earlier stages than was stated in recent guidelines, especially when creatinine clearance levels are used as indicators. This might have implications for testing and treatment of patients with suspected kidney disease and/or loss of renal function.

Diabetes specialist nurse as main care provider for patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine whether the management of type 2 diabetes (DM2) can be transferred from an internist to a nurse specialised in diabetes (NSD).

METHODS

Ninety-three patients with DM2 referred by their general practitioner were randomised; 84 patients completed the study. The intervention group received care from an NSD who treated glycaemia, blood pressure and lipid profile by protocol. The control group received care from an internist. The primary endpoint was the main decrease in HbA1c. Secondary endpoints included blood pressure, lipid profile, healthcare costs, QOL , and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and cholesterol/HDL ratio decreased significantly in both study populations after a follow-up time of 12 months. Cholesterol/HDL ratio decreased by 0.4 and 0.9 in the NSD and control group respectively (p=0.034 for the difference between groups). The decreases (95% confidence interval) in systolic blood pressure were 8.6 mmHg (2.6, 14.7) in the NSD group and 4.0 mmHg (-0.9, 8.9) in the control group, without a significant difference between groups. After one year, 33.3% of the patients in the NSD group achieved an HbA1c level. <7% compared with 2.2%at baseline (p=0.002). Healthcare costs were less and patient satisfaction with the NSD s was significantly better(p<0.001), while maintaining the same QOL .

CONCLUSION

NSD s using treatment protocols are able to provide effective care for patients with DM 2, comparable with the care provided by an internist, with respect to clinical parameters, and superior with respect to healthcare costs and patient satisfaction.

Modification of diet in renal disease and Cockcroft-Gault formulas do not predict mortality (ZODIAC-6)

AIMS

An inverse relationship between estimates of renal function, with formulas such as the Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation or the Cockcroft-Gault formula, and mortality has been suggested. These formulas both contain the variables sex, serum creatinine and age and the latter also contains body weight. We investigated whether these formulas predict mortality better than the variables they contain together in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

In 1998, 1143 primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes participated in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC) Study, in the Netherlands. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at baseline. Life status was assessed after 6 years. We used Cox proportional hazard modelling to investigate the association between estimates of renal function (continuous data) and the variables they contain and mortality, adjusting for confounders. Both formulas were compared with models consisting of the variables present in the formulas. Predictability was assessed using Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and Harrell's C statistics.

RESULTS

At follow-up, 335 patients had died. All variables, except sex, influenced mortality. Predictive capability, indicated by lower BIC values and higher Harrell's C values, was up to 10% better for models containing the separate variables as compared with Cockcroft-Gault or MDRD.

CONCLUSIONS

Using estimates of renal function to assess mortality risk decreases predictability as compared with the combination of the risk factors they contain. These formulas, therefore, could be used to estimate renal function; however, they should not be used as a tool to predict mortality risk.

Increased cancer mortality in type 2 diabetes (ZODIAC-3)

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether there is a relationship between type two diabetes and cancer mortality. It also is unclear whether obesity and body mass index (BMI) are associated with cancer in type 2 diabetes patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 1998, 1,145 patients with type two diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Intergrating Available Care (ZODIAC) study. In this project, general practitioners (GPs) were assisted by hospital-based diabetes specialist nurses. Vital status was assessed in September 2004. The cancer mortality rate was evaluated using standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and its association with BMI (kg/m2) and obesity (>30 kg/m2) with the Cox proportional hazard ratio.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 5.8 years. A total of 335 patients had died, of whom 70 died from malignancy. The SMR for cancer mortality was 1.38 (95% CI 1.07-1.75). BMI and obesity were not associated with cancer death.

CONCLUSION

An increased cancer mortality rate was found in type two diabetes mellitus patients but there was no significant association between BMI or obesity and cancer mortality.

Cholesterol in end-stage renal disease: the good, the bad or the ugly?

The incidence of cardiovascular disease is markedly increased in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). High serum cholesterol is widely recognised as a cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. However, in patients with ESRD high concentrations of cholesterol are associated with a better survival. This reverse epidemiology is, amongst others, caused by confounding due to malnutrition and chronic inflammation. In this population, treatment with statins to lower the serum cholesterol remains a matter of debate. In ESRD, LDL cholesterol is modified by increased oxidative stress. These altered LDL particles play a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis. Treatment with the antioxidant vitamin E has not equivocally been shown to be beneficial in this population. This review tries to put data from literature on dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in ESRD in perspective.

[Cinnamon: not suitable for the treatment of diabetes mellitus]

OBJECTIVE

To identify published studies evaluating the effects of cinnamon on glycaemic control.

DESIGN

Literature search.

METHOD

The Medline database was searched using all possible combinations of the words and medical subject headings (MeSH) 'cinnamon', 'diabetes mellitus', 'HbA1C' and 'glucose'. All human or animal studies in which cinnamon was administered as intervention were included.

RESULTS

Several animal studies and 5 randomized placebo-controlled trials in humans were found. Most of the animal studies described beneficial effects of cinnamon on glycaemic control. One placebo-controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes found that cinnamon intake was associated with favourable effects on fasting plasma glucose. None of the studies reported an improvement in HbA1C. A study in patients with type 1 diabetes found that cinnamon had no effect.

CONCLUSION

Based on the currently available evidence, cinnamon should not be recommended for the improvement ofglycaemic control.

Intensification of therapy and no increase in body mass index with longer disease duration in type 2 diabetes mellitus (ZODIAC-5)

BACKGROUND

Decreased insulin sensitivity and beta-cell failure are the two key components in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Secondary treatment failure is often attributed to the development of obesity-related insulin resistance in combination with continued loss of beta-cell function.

OBJECTIVE

Assess metabolic control, body mass index (BMI) and treatment in relationship to diabetes duration to study these mechanisms.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 7875 patients with T2DM in primary care in The Netherlands. Clinical data and laboratory results were obtained for the 2005 annual visit. Patients were grouped according to diabetes duration in 2-year intervals. Each step in the traditional treatment sequence was considered as a sign of progression of beta-cell failure.

RESULTS

Complete data regarding duration and treatment were available for 6850 patients (87%). After the initial years following diagnosis, treatment with diet alone decreases and oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) are prescribed to an increasing percentage of patients. Treatment with OHA diminishes after approximately 10 years following diagnosis and treatment with insulin increases until approximately two-thirds of patients with diabetes duration of more than 20 years are being treated with insulin. BMI does not increase with longer disease duration.

CONCLUSION

The concept of beta-cell failure as the primary determinant of the chronic progression of T2DM is supported by these results, whereas a deterioration of obesity-related insulin sensitivity as indicator is not supported.

[Measuring the blood pressure in both arms is of little use; longitudinal study into blood pressure differences between both arms and its reproducibility in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of inter-arm blood pressure differences > 10 mmHg in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and to determine whether these differences are consistent over time.

DESIGN

Descriptive.

METHOD

In an evaluation study of 169 DM2 patients from 5 general practices in 2003 and 2004, different methods of oscillatory measurement were used to investigate inter-arm blood pressure differences > 10 mmHg systolic or diastolic. These methods were: one measurement in each arm non-simultaneously (method A), one measurement simultaneously (B) and the mean of two simultaneous measurements (C).

RESULTS

With method A an inter-arm blood pressure difference was found in 33% of patients. This percentage diminished to 9 with method C. In 44% (n = 7) of the patients in whom method C detected a relevant blood pressure difference, this difference was not found with method A. In 79% of patients the inter-arm blood pressure difference was not reproduced after one year.

CONCLUSION

In daily practice, one non-simultaneous blood pressure measurement in each arm (method A) was of little value for identification of patients with inter-arm blood pressure differences. The reproducibility was poor one year later. Bilateral blood pressure measurement is therefore of little value.

[Assessment of renal function according to the NHG protocol 'Diabetes mellitus type 2': risk of overestimating the number of diabetes patients with renal dysfunction]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the consequences of the new Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG) protocol 'Diabetes mellitus type 2', which recommends using either the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula or the 'Modification of diet in renal disease' (MDRD) study formula to determine the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as an indicator of renal function, in a cohort of patients with type-2 diabetes.

DESIGN

Inventory.

METHOD

The eGFR was calculated using the CG formula, the body-mass index (BMI-)corrected CG formula and the MDRD formula in 6224 patients with type-2 diabetes who entered the 'Zwolle outpatient diabetes project integrating available care' (ZODIAC) study in 2005.

RESULTS

Using the CG and MDRD formulas, 31% and 63% of patients, respectively, had an eGFR of 30-59 ml/min (units for MDRD are ml/ min/1.73 m2) for which referral is advisable. In addition, 1% and 11%, respectively, had an eGFR <30 ml/min (reference: >90 ml/min), for which referral is necessary. Most patients aged >70 years (or > 50 years using the BMI-corrected CG formula) had an eGFR <60 ml/min.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced eGFR can be a sign of renal dysfunction but, using these formulas, can also be partly explained by advanced age. Therefore other factors should be considered when interpreting the results ofeGFR before it is concluded that the patient has kidney disease and the associated increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Glucose dysregulation in nondiabetic patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: acute and chronic glucose dysregulation in STEMI

BACKGROUND

Admission hyperglycaemia is associated with an increased risk of mortality after myocardial infarction. Whether long-term glucose dysregulation (assessed by HbA1c) is more important than acute hyperglycaemia is unknown. We evaluated the prognostic value of admission glucose and HbA1c levels in nondiabetic patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

In 504 unselected, consecutive patients with STEMI, glucose and HbA1c levels were measured on admission. Glucose was categorised as <11.1 mmol/l (n=422) and >or= 11.1 mmol/l (n=82). HbA1c levels were categorised as <6.0% (n=416) and >or=6.0% (n=88). Mean follow-up was 1.6+/-0.6 years.

RESULTS

Patients with hyperglycaemia on admission were comparable with those with normoglycaemia. However,patients with HbA1c >or=6.0%, as compared with those with HbA1c <6%, were older, were more often on beta-blockers and more frequently had multivessel disease. Thirty-day mortality in the subsequent glucose categories (<11.1 mmol/l and >or=11.1 mmol/l) was 4% and 19% (p<0.001) and in the subsequent HbA1c categories (<6% and >or=6%) was 5% and 12% (p=0.03). After multivariable analyses, admission glucose (OR 4.91,95% CI 2.03 to 11.9, p< 0.001) but not HbA1c (OR 1.33, 95%CI 0.48 to 3.71, p=0.58) was significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Among 30-day survivors, neither admission glucose nor HbA1c were predictors of long-term mortality.

CONCLUSION

Elevated admission glucose is an important predictor of 30-day outcome after STEMI, while prior long-term glucose dysregulation is a covariate of other high-risk clinical characteristics. Among 30-day survivors, neither admission blood glucose nor HbA1c were predictors of long-term outcome.

Glycaemic control, health status and treatment satisfaction with continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion

BACKGROUND

Continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion(CIPI ) has been in use for over 20 years. High costs and technical problems have prevented its widespread use. In the Netherlands, the Isala Clinics in Zwolle is the centre with the most extensive experience with CIPII . Its use is aimed at improving glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemic events, and thus improving quality of life inpatients with poorly controlled diabetes despite intensified insulin treatment. Our aim was to assess glycaemic control,health status and treatment satisfaction in subjects treated with CIPII within the Isala Clinics.

METHODS

Retrospective longitudinal analysis of clinical data in 48 patients started on CIPII between 1983 and 2005.HbA1c at baseline, after one year, and at present assessment or at the end of pump use were applicable. Cross-sectional assessment of health status, well-being and treatment satisfaction was carried out.

RESULTS

Of 48 patients, 33 were treated with CIPII at the moment of assessment. Five patients died whilston CIPII ; four from diabetes-related causes, none from hypoglycaemia. HbA1c decreased significantly from 9.7 to 8.8% after one year, to 8.6% at long-term follow-up; p<0.01. Less hypoglycaemic events were reported. Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey (SF -12)scores were 37.4 and 47.2 (range 0-100), the Well-Being Index (WHO-5) score was 52.7 (range 0-100) and median treatment satisfaction score was 32 (range 0-36).

CONCLUSION

CIPII leads to improved glycaemic control with less self-reported hypoglycaemic events in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Treatment satisfaction is high. Mental health status and well-being scores are low, however.

Prognostic value of admission glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels in acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

Admission hyperglycaemia is associated with poorer prognosis in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Whether hyperglycaemia is more important than prior long-term glucose metabolism, is unknown.

AIM

To investigate the prognostic value of admission glucose and HbA(1c) levels in patients with ACS.

METHODS

We measured glucose and HbA(1c) at admission in 521 consecutive patients with suspected ACS. Glucose was categorized as <7.8 (n = 305), 7.8-11.0 (n = 138) or > or =11.1 mmol/l (n = 78); HbA(1c) as <6.2% (n = 420) or > or =6.2% (n = 101). Mean follow-up was 1.6 +/- 0.5 years.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of ACS was confirmed in 332 patients (64%), leaving 189 (36%) with atypical chest pain. In ACS patients, mortality by glucose category (<7.8, 7.8-11.0 or > or =11.1 mmol) was 9%, 8% and 25%, respectively (p = 0.001); mortality by HbA(1c) category (<6.2% vs. > or =6.2%) was 10% vs. 17%, respectively (p = 0.14). On multivariate analysis, glucose category was significantly associated with mortality (HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1-8.3), but HbA(1c) category was not (HR 1.5, 95%CI 0.6-4.2).

DISCUSSION

Elevated admission glucose appears more important than prior long-term abnormal glucose metabolism in predicting mortality in patients with suspected ACS.