Figure 2. Hazard Ratios for Major Causes of Death, According to Baseline Levels of Fasting Glucose.

History of diabetes at baseline was defined according to a self-reported history of diabetes or treatment for diabetes. Glucose levels for participants without a known history of diabetes at baseline were classified as less than 4.0, 4.0 to less than 4.5, 4.5 to less than 5.0, 5.0 to less than 5.5, 5.5 to less than 6.0, 6.0 to less than 6.5, 6.5 to less than 7.0, 7.0 to less than 7.5, and 7.5 mmol per liter or higher. Hazard ratios were plotted against the mean fasting glucose level in each group (reference category, 5.0 to <5.5 mmol per liter). The sizes of the data markers are proportional to the inverse of the variance of the log_e hazard ratios. All analyses were stratified or adjusted for sex and adjusted for baseline age, smoking status (current smoker vs. any other status), and body-mass index. Participants with known preexisting cardiovascular disease at baseline were excluded from all analyses. To convert values for fasting glucose to milligrams per deciliter, divide by 0.05551.