Health
Reversing Prediabetes Could Halve Heart Risks
Health Points
- Normalizing blood sugar in prediabetes may reduce heart disease and failure risks by 50%.
- Sustained diet and exercise proved effective across long-term studies in the US and China.
- Healthcare experts now recommend targeting measurable prediabetes remission for better heart health.
Millions of Americans live with prediabetes, often unaware they are also facing higher risks for heart complications. New evidence shows lifestyle changes that normalize blood sugar can make a dramatic difference.
“It’s the first international analysis to show that when people with prediabetes bring blood glucose back into the normal range, their long-term risk of heart attack, heart failure, and premature death is about cut in half,” says Andreas L. Birkenfeld, MD, who led the new research.
International studies tracked over 2,400 people with prediabetes for up to 30 years. Those who achieved normal blood sugar through nutrition and activity saw substantially lower rates of heart disease and hospitalization due to heart failure compared to those whose blood sugar stayed high.
“The practical takeaway is: Even slightly high blood sugar levels can translate to significant risk of cardiovascular disease or heart failure,” says Scott D. Isaacs, MD, president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. “Knowing your exact numbers and working with your doctor to normalize glucose is the best way to reduce risk.”
Prediabetes often shows no symptoms and is typically discovered during routine medical screenings. Achieving remission generally means reducing fasting blood sugar to between 70 and 99 mg/dL, often through structured weight loss, regular physical activity, and coaching support.
Experts now aim for prediabetes remission as a tangible target, instead of simply hoping to avoid diabetes. This shift helps motivate people to take measurable steps that directly impact heart health and longevity.
While these findings are exciting, the studies can’t confirm cause and effect, and some people may need more than lifestyle changes to reach remission. Ongoing research seeks to pinpoint which lifestyle strategies and support models work best for different individuals. If lifestyle alone isn’t enough, additional treatments may be considered to help achieve healthy blood sugar levels.
