In a new study, researchers found while the health risks associated with diabetes—including heart attacks and strokes—are well established, these risks could be present well before someone is even diagnosed with the condition.
The study found that prediabetes, defined by having higher than normal blood glucose levels but not enough to be classified as having diabetes, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and death.
They also showed there was a big opportunity to prevent heart disease by identifying and treating people earlier.
The research was conducted by a team at The George Institute for Global Health.
In the study, the team analyzed 129 studies involving over 10 million people—the majority being from Europe, Asia and North America—who had pre-diabetes with and without existing heart disease.
They looked at whether prediabetes was linked to higher rates of death and cardiovascular disease in people with and without a history of CVD.
They found that compared with people who had normal blood sugar levels, those with prediabetes were at a higher risk of CVD and more likely to die from any cause.
The prevalence of prediabetes is increasing worldwide.
It is estimated that more than 470 million people will have prediabetes by 2030 and according to an American Diabetes Association up to 70 percent of these will go on to develop diabetes.
Early detection and proper treatment can have enormous benefits but left unaddressed, the life-long complications and health impacts can be devastating.
The researchers hope the results of this study will turn prediabetes from a controversial term into a useful trigger for preventive care that will help address an escalating global health burden
One author of the study is Professor Yuli Huang, Honorary Fellow, Food Policy, at The George Institute for Global Health.
The study is published in the British Medical Journal.
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