Prediabetes: Evaluation of β-Cell Function.

Comment on: Distinct β-cell defects in impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance. [Diabetes. 2012] First paragraph: β-Cell function should be expressed as insulin secretion in relation to the prevailing and changing glucose concentration and interpreted in light of prevailing insulin resistance. Characterizing alterations in β-cell function in individuals with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (collectively termed “prediabetes”) has been a hotly pursued topic among clinical investigators over the past several years. Because IFG and IGT are both associated with elevated risk of progression to overt type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events (1–3), it is important to understand the specific defects in β-cell function that occur in these settings. Such knowledge could translate into targeted therapeutic interventions that could potentially delay or halt the progression of IFG/IGT to frank diabetes.