Type 2 Diabetes

Both isolated IGT and isolated IFG are associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. Individuals with IGT had a 3.9-fold higher risk of developing diabetes than those without IGT, while those with IFG were 2.3-times more likely to develop diabetes than those without IFG. [Qiao Q, Lindstrom J, Valle TT, Tuomilehto J. Progression to clinically diagnosed and treated diabetes from impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glycaemia. Diabet Med 2003;20:1027–33.]

A meta-analysis of six prospective studies involving individuals with IGT found that the risk of developing diabetes increased linearly with increasing 2hPG levels. This meta-analysis found that, overall, approximately 40% of the participants with IGT developed diabetes during their respective studies. [Edelstein SL, Knowler WC, Bain RP, et al. Predictors of progression from impaired glucose tolerance to NIDDM: an analysis of six prospective studies. Diabetes 1997;46:701 10.] The IDF estimates that up to 50% of individuals with IGT will develop diabetes over 10 years.