New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) A recent study reveals that individuals with prediabetes who successfully lower their blood sugar levels and achieve remission can decrease their risk of severe heart complications by almost 60%. This finding was published in the esteemed journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, highlighting that normalizing blood glucose levels—effectively reversing prediabetes—can significantly diminish the chances of death from heart disease or hospitalization due to heart failure.

According to the research, those who attained remission from prediabetes experienced a 58% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure. This protective effect appears to last for decades after achieving normal glucose levels, indicating a lasting benefit in managing blood sugar, as noted by researchers from King's College London, UK.

This insight is particularly critical given that recent studies have indicated that lifestyle modifications—such as increasing physical activity, losing weight, and improving diet—have not been effective in lowering cardiovascular risks for people with prediabetes.

“This study challenges a long-held belief in preventative medicine. For many years, it has been assumed that weight loss, increased exercise, and healthier eating would safeguard individuals with prediabetes from heart attacks and premature death. While these lifestyle changes are undoubtedly beneficial, the findings do not support the notion that they lower heart attack risks or mortality rates for these individuals,” stated lead author Dr. Andreas Birkenfeld, Reader in Diabetes at King's College London and University Hospital Tuebingen.

“Instead, our research shows that achieving remission from prediabetes correlates with a significant reduction in fatal heart events, heart failure, and overall mortality,” Birkenfeld added.

Prediabetes is characterized by blood glucose levels that are elevated but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Earlier studies have indicated that combining lifestyle interventions, such as enhanced exercise and a healthy diet, does not effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This implies that merely delaying the onset of diabetes does not ensure cardiovascular protection unless critical metabolic changes occur.

“The findings suggest that achieving remission from prediabetes could be recognized—alongside lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and quitting smoking—as a fourth major preventive measure that genuinely helps avert heart attacks and save lives,” Birkenfeld concluded.