Pre-diabetes may sound like it’s harmless, but it can actually be very serious. New research even shows that it can increase your risk for catastrophic cardiac events like a stroke or heart attack, too. Unfortunately, there are often no warning signs for heart-related events, so it’s important to know what the link is between heart disease and pre-diabetes and to do your part to stay healthy. With that in mind, let’s examine pre-diabetes and major cardiovascular events.
The new research presented in 2021 at the American College of Cardiology’s 70th Annual Scientific Session revealed that after looking at more than 25,000 people, serious cardiac events occurred in 18% of people with prediabetes, versus 11% of people that had normal blood sugar levels. So, even if you don’t ever develop diabetes, pre-diabetes can be just as much of a problem for you.
Minimizing Risk
To help minimize your risk of becoming pre-diabetic, increase your physical activity as much as possible, avoid smoking, and eat a heart-healthy diet that limits the intake of carbohydrates.
Excess weight also contributes to diabetes and pre-diabetes, so trying to maintain a healthy weight is also key.
But what if you have tried all sorts of different diets and exercise programs to lose weight and nothing has helped get rid of the extra pounds?
For people that struggle with obesity and have medical conditions such as pre-diabetes or diabetes that are related to excess weight, bariatric surgery may be an option.
Weight loss surgery helps you lose weight and can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems. Oftentimes, weight loss surgery is the catalyst to people’s lives being completely changed – through weight loss, they can experience life to the fullest with more energy and confidence.
Our team at WeightWise understands the importance of whole-body health. We love seeing people’s lives transformed through weight loss. Not sure if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery? Make an appointment with our experienced medical professionals today.