Glycose tolerance curve, HbA1 determination and cataract.

In a series of patients with advanced cataract and in another one of patients with incipient cataract, aged under 55 years, with no history of trauma or diabetes and a normal fasting blood sugar, the standard glycose tolerance test, as well as the HbA1 determination were performed. About 34% of the patients of the first group and 10% of the second group showed abnormalities of the tests. Asymptomatic diabetes was diagnosed in these patients and it is concluded that glycose intolerance is common in patients with advanced or incipient cataract, under 55 years of age, who show no glycosuria and have a normal fasting blood sugar on routine examination.