Clustering of fasting glycemic biomarkers is related to levels of cardiovascular disease risk in adults

Modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors include obesity, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Non‐modifiable CVD risk factors can include single‐nucleotide polymorphisms such as those within APOE and hepatic lipase (LIPC) genes. Comparison of risk factors across varying levels of CVD risk can help to elucidate the most relevant biomarkers for risk assessment. This study included data from men and postmenopausal women (n=39) with or without dysglycemia and obesity, and with diet‐controlled T2D, to examine multiple CVD risk factors using glycemic status and APOE and LIPC −514C>T polymorphisms as response variables. Predictor variables included 23 anthropometric, fasting glycemic and lipidemic biomarkers, oral glucose tolerance test area under the curve and dietary data. Relationships between CVD risk factors and levels were investigated via cluster analysis, logistic regression, ANOVA and Pearson's chi‐square test. Results identified 3 clusters among glucose, insulin and incretins that corresponded to distinct CVD risk levels. Age and fasting glucose in all participants and those with APOE E3/E3 genotype were significant and LIPC genotypes were related to CVD risk levels. This study highlights potential CVD risk factors through cluster analysis and supports current CVD risk screening. Grant Funding Source : Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs