[Importance of the post-prandial glycemia in the management of type 2 diabetes].

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality in diabetic patients. The risk of cardiovascular disease occurs at a lower glycemic level compared to microvascular complications. Post-prandial hyperglycemia seems to play a major role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. In this article we review the evidence regarding the prognostic value of post-challenge hyperglycaemia relative to the risk of cardiovascular disease, explore the physio-pathologic mechanisms responsible for the negative effects of post-prandial hyperglycaemia and detail the benefits of treatment aimed at controlling post-prandial glycaemia.