Impaired Fasting Glucose Causes and Risk Factors

Primary Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Risk Factors

• Obesity, particularly abdominal/visceral fat distribution, promotes insulin resistance that can contribute to IFG development, according to the American Diabetes Association 1
• Excess weight causes adipocyte hypertrophy, oxidative stress, inflammation, and ectopic fat accumulation in liver and muscle, however, this fact is from Praxis Medical Insights, a similar fact from another source is: Genetic defects in insulin action, such as insulin receptor mutations, can cause hyperinsulinemia with modest hyperglycemia progressing to IFG, as stated by the European Society of Cardiology 3
• Specific genetic syndromes affecting β-cell function may predispose to IFG, as reported by the European Heart Journal 3
• Hormone excess states including acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, glucagonoma, and pheochromocytoma can cause IFG by antagonizing insulin action, however, this fact is from Praxis Medical Insights, a similar fact from another source is not available
• Certain drugs including corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, and antidepressants can induce or exacerbate IFG, as stated by the European Society of Cardiology 3