Normalizing Blood Sugar Could Cut Heart Attack Risk in Prediabetes by More Than Half
- Rebecca Guldberg
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
A groundbreaking international analysis published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology shows that normalizing blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes can dramatically reduce their risk of serious heart problems — including heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiovascular death. This finding marks a major shift in how clinicians may approach heart disease prevention in people with elevated blood glucose.
What Is Prediabetes and Why It Matters
Prediabetes — defined as blood sugar levels above normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis — affects hundreds of millions of adults worldwide, with prevalence as high as 30–40% in some countries. Traditionally, standard advice for people with prediabetes has focused on lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and weight loss.
New Research Shows Real Heart-Health Benefits
Researchers from institutions including King’s College London and University Hospital Tübingen in Germany reanalyzed decades of data from two major longitudinal diabetes prevention trials — the U.S.’s Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) and China’s Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Outcomes Study. Their results were striking:
More than 50% reduction in risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure among individuals who brought their blood sugar into the normal range.
Significant decreases (around 42%) in heart attacks, strokes, and other major cardiac events were also observed.
These effects were consistent across diverse populations and persisted decades after blood sugar normalization.
Why Lifestyle Changes Alone Aren’t Enough
Interestingly, while healthy eating, increased physical activity, and weight loss are undeniably beneficial for overall well-being, this study found these interventions did not reduce heart attack risk unless they resulted in true blood sugar remission. In other words, simply improving lifestyle without restoring normal glucose levels didn’t confer the same cardiovascular protection.
A Paradigm Shift in Prevention
Until now, cardiovascular disease prevention strategies have centered on managing blood pressure, lowering LDL cholesterol, and promoting smoking cessation. This new evidence suggests that sustained normalization of blood glucose in people with prediabetes should be added as a fourth cornerstone of heart health prevention.
It could reshape both clinical guidelines and public health approaches — emphasizing measurable blood sugar targets rather than general lifestyle advice alone.
What This Means for You
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with prediabetes:
Ask your clinician about prediabetes remission goals.
Monitor your A1C and fasting glucose regularly.
Work with care teams on strategies that improve glycemic control.
Even modest improvements in glucose can have life-saving benefits if sustained long enough to restore normal levels.
About Direct Diabetes
Direct Diabetes has been helping people with diabetes for nearly 30 years by mailing the supplies they need directly to their home, and helping them avoid the hassle of having to go to a pharmacy. From Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to insulin pumps and testing supplies, our goal is to take the stress out of managing diabetes so patients can focus on living healthier, fuller lives. We work directly with doctors and insurance companies to make the process simple and affordable.
📞 Contact Us: 480-998-5551
🌐 Website: DirectDiabetes.com
📲 Follow Us:
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health or treatment options.
