History of Hypertension From Childhood and Fasting Blood Glucose Levels in Adulthood: The Bogalusa Study.

BACKGROUND: Fasting blood glucose (FBG) reflects cardiometabolic health, but the long-term effects of childhood hypertension (HTN) on adult FBG are unclear. METHODS: Using data from the Bogalusa Heart Study, we examined the link between childhood HTN and FBG in early adulthood, adjusting for race, BMI, pulse rate, and blood pressure. RESULTS: Individuals with childhood HTN had higher FBG in early adulthood (mean difference 8.96 mg/dL) and a 4.16-fold higher risk of high FBG (≥ 126 mg/dL). The effect was stronger in African Americans, those with higher pulse rate, overweight individuals, or those with low diastolic BP. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood HTN is linked to elevated FBG in early adulthood. Early management of hypertensive children, especially those at metabolic risk, may help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease later.