The frequency of fibromyalgia in female patients with impaired fasting blood glucose: Cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: To assess the frequency of fibromyalgia among women with impaired fasting glucose. METHODS: The sample was selected from the female patients who applied to the Internal Medicine clinic and whose fasting blood glucose level were 100-126 in their routine examination (Group1) and patients whose fasting blood glucose were less than 100 constituted the control group (Group2). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) has been applied to patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and whose 2nd hour OGTT levels were under 140 has been included. Functional status was assessed by using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Pain Location Inventory (PLI), and Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR) were evaluated for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. RESULTS: Mean age was 48.99+-7.50 in Group1 (n=73) and 47.84+-7.92 in Group2 (n=73) with no significant difference between them. Mean BMI (body mass index) was 30.41+-5.01 in Group1 and 28.00+-4.61in Group2, this difference was significant (p<0.05). 26% of the patients in Group1, 11% of the patients in Group2 were diagnosed with fibromyalgia and difference was highly significant (p<0.001). Mean FIQ was 44.27+-21.98 in Group1 and 24.95+-21.49 in Group2, this difference was also significant (p<0.001). Glucose level was associated with PLI (r=0.368, p<0.001), SIQR (r=0.322 p<0.001) and FIQ (r= 0.287, p<0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Fibromyalgia is more prevalent in female patients with IFG than in patients with normal fasting glucose levels. Glucose level is associated with both PLI, SIQR and functionality. Although not a clinical disease, IFG is not only a risk factor for development of diabetes but also a risk factor for fibromyalgia in women.