Influence of Fasting Glucose Levels on Achieving Glycemic Target in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: a Post Hoc Analysis

FPG GOAL was a 24-week, open-label, treat-to-target randomized controlled trial which demonstrated that the optimal self-monitored fasting blood glucose (SM-FBG) target for most Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using insulin glargine 100 IU/mL was 3.9–6.1 mmol/L. Individuals who achieved lower fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels might achieve the target HbA1c of < 7% without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. For this post hoc analysis, individuals were redivided into three groups based on their actual laboratory FPG levels at 24 weeks: level 1, ≤ 5.6 mmol/L; level 2, > 5.6 to ≤ 6.1 mmol/L; and level 3, > 6.1 to ≤ 7.0 mmol/L. At week 24, 863 individuals with diabetes had available FPG data and 179, 122, and 179 individuals achieved FPG levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The proportion of individuals with HbA1c < 7% or HbA1c < 7% without hypoglycemia (≤ 3.9 or ≤ 3.0 mmol/L) was significantly higher in FPG levels 1 (p < 0.01) and 2 (p < 0.05) than in level 3. The least squares mean changes from baseline in HbA1c (− 1.77% and − 1.66% vs − 1.34%; both p < 0.001) and 2-h postprandial glucose (− 3.88 mmol/L and − 3.98 mmol/L vs − 3.22 mmol/L; both p < 0.05) were also significantly higher in FPG levels 1 and 2 compared with level 3. Linear regression analysis showed a moderate relationship between FPG and HbA1c levels at 24 weeks (r = 0.449). Chinese individuals with T2D who achieved lower FPG levels with insulin glargine 100 IU/mL were more likely to achieve the recommended target HbA1c of < 7% compared with those with higher FPG levels. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02545842.