Log ( TG )/ HDL ‐ C ratio as a predictor of decreased islet beta cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes: 6‐year cohort study

Abstract Background The aim of the present study was to explore whether the triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio [log ( TG )/ HDL ‐ C ] and peripheral blood leukocytes DNA telomere length could predict future islet beta cell function decreased in C hinese type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) during a 6‐year cohort. Methods Sixty T2DM patients (without insulin treatment at baseline) were included in the 6‐year cohort study. Peripheral blood leukocytes DNA telomere length, HbA1c , blood lipid profile, fatty fat acid, glucose, insulin and C peptide (3 h after a mixed meal) were determined. Delta C peptide area under curve (Delta CP AUC ) was used to reflect change in beta cell secretion function (Delta CP AUC  = baseline CP AUC – CP AUC after 6 years). Subjects were divided into slow decrease of beta cell function group (Delta CP AUC slow group) and fast decrease group (Delta CP AUC fast group) according to median of D elta CP AUC . Baseline demographic characteristics, clinical variables between two groups were compared. Correlations between baseline data and D elta CP AUC were analyzed. Results Baseline log ( TG )/ HDL ‐ C was positively correlated with D elta CP AUC (r = 0.306, P  = 0.027); log ( TG )/ HDL ‐ C in D elta CP AUC fast group was higher than that in D elta CP AUC slow group (0.103 ± 0.033 vs 0.083 ± 0.030, P  = 0.027). There was no significant difference in DNA telomere length between the two groups. Change in DNA telomere length over 6 years was not significantly correlated with baseline blood lipid. Conclusions In C hinese T2DM patients, high baseline log ( TG )/ HDL ‐ C ratio predicts fast progression of islet beta cell dysfunction. It may be a simple index to predict progression speed of islet beta cell dysfunction.