Most people hear the word prediabetes and feel relieved. It sounds mild and temporary. Many believe it can be ignored for now. But a new global study sends a clear warning. If prediabetics do not act early, the risk of a heart attack, heart failure, and even premature death can quietly rise over the years.
Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. According to new research, bringing blood glucose back to a normal range may cut the risk of serious heart problems by nearly half. And this protection can last for decades.
The findings come from a major study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. Researchers say prediabetes remission may soon become a key goal in medical guidelines worldwide.
Why Prediabetics Face A Hidden Heart Attack Risk
Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Many people live with it for years without symptoms. That is where the danger lies.
The study shows that prediabetics who fail to control blood glucose are at a much higher risk of heart attack and heart failure later in life. Researchers analysed long-term data from over 2,400 prediabetics across the US and China. Some participants were followed for 20 years. Others were tracked for nearly 30.
The results were striking. Those who managed to bring their blood sugar back to normal saw their risk of cardiovascular death drop by around 50 per cent. Overall mortality also fell sharply.
Dr Andreas Birkenfeld from the German Center for Diabetes Research explained that early action creates a powerful protective window. When glucose levels are normalised at the prediabetes stage, the long-term heart risk reduces dramatically.
One Simple Blood Sugar Number Could Change Everything
One of the most important findings was surprisingly simple. A fasting blood glucose level below 97 mg/dL emerged as a strong marker of lower heart disease risk. This held true regardless of age, weight or ethnic background.
Researchers say this number could be easily used in clinics worldwide. It gives doctors and patients a clear and measurable target. Until now, heart disease prevention focused on three pillars. These include controlling blood pressure, lowering bad cholesterol and quitting smoking.
The study suggests adding a fourth pillar. That is sustained normalisation of blood glucose in prediabetics.
Experts believe this shift could transform how doctors approach early prevention. Instead of waiting for diabetes to develop, the focus moves to reversing prediabetes itself.
As the authors noted, achieving remission does more than delay diabetes. It offers decades of protection against heart attack, heart failure and early death.
