The Link Between Prediabetes and Heart Attack Risk

A new study has found a strong association between prediabetes and an increased risk of heart attack in women. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, followed over 10,000 women for an average of 14 years. 

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The findings, which were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that women with prediabetes were nearly 50% more likely to have a heart attack than those without prediabetes. Women with prediabetes are also at an increased risk for other cardiovascular problems, such as stroke and heart failure. 

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It is estimated that one in three American adults has prediabetes. If left unchecked, prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, which brings with it an even higher risk for heart disease and other serious health problems.

What can you do to reduce your risk?

The good news is that lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, making small changes in your diet and physical activity can help you avoid progressing to diabetes. 

For example, try some of these tips for preventing type 2 diabetes:

• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Getting regular physical activity 
• Eating a healthy diet 
• Quitting smoking 
• Managing stress 
• Getting regular medical care 

If you have any risk factors for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor about reducing your risk. You may also want to consider getting your blood sugar levels checked by a healthcare professional.

Prediabetes is a serious condition that increases women’s risk for heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. However, the good news is that lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. If you have any of the risk factors for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor right away about what you can do to reduce your risk. In this situation, checking your blood sugar levels by a healthcare professional is always a good idea.