Objective: To compare the use of GHb and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) to define the metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Research design and methods: Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2006 were used. MetS was defined using the consensus criteria in 2009. Raised blood glucose was defined as either FPG >or=100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l) or GHb >or=5.7%.
Results: In 2003-2006, there was 91.3% agreement between GHb and FPG when either was used to define MetS. The agreement was good irrespective of age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, and diabetes status (>or=87.4%). Similar results were found in 1999-2002. Among subjects without diabetes, only the use of GHb alone, but not FPG, resulted in significant association with cardiovascular diseases (odds ratio 1.45, P = 0.005).
Conclusions: Using GHb instead of FPG to define MetS is feasible. It also identifies individuals with increased cardiovascular risk.