Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine have linked higher blood sugar levels with a notably greater chance of cardiovascular disease, extending beyond people who have diabetes. The findings, published in Lancet Regional Health, add important nuance to how clinicians think about blood glucose as a risk factor for heart and blood vessel conditions.
The investigation drew on data from 427,435 participants in the British Biobank, encompassing individuals with normal blood sugar, those with prediabetes, and those with diabetes. By adjusting for age and other factors, the team determined that adults without diabetes but with moderately elevated blood sugar faced a 30 to 50 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those whose blood sugar was lower. In other words, even small to moderate increases in glucose can translate into meaningful differences in heart health over time. (attribution: Lancet Regional Health, LSHTM)
Overall, the trend was clear: lower blood sugar levels were associated with lower cardiovascular risk. People with diabetes carried roughly twice the risk of cardiovascular disease compared with people who did not have diabetes, underscoring the cumulative impact of chronic hyperglycemia on vascular health. The authors emphasize that the relationship is continuous and graded rather than binary—every incremental rise in glucose levels tends to tilt the odds toward higher cardiovascular risk. (attribution: Lancet Regional Health, LSHTM)
The study also highlighted differences in how medications were used to manage blood pressure and cholesterol between men and women. Statin therapy and antihypertensive medications were more commonly prescribed in men within the data set, suggesting potential gaps in treatment initiation or adherence among women. These observations point to an opportunity for clinicians to review cardiovascular risk management across sexes and ensure that therapy decisions align with individual risk profiles. (attribution: Lancet Regional Health, LSHTM)
Importantly, the researchers noted that the increased cardiovascular risk associated with higher blood sugar could be mitigated by maintaining a healthy weight and by appropriate pharmacological management when indicated. The study also clarified that its findings do not apply to type 1 diabetes since participants with that condition were not included in the analysis. This distinction helps prevent overgeneralization and supports tailored risk assessment in diverse patient groups. (attribution: Lancet Regional Health, LSHTM)
For context, participants were categorized into blood sugar ranges including low normal, higher normal, prediabetes, and diabetes, allowing the researchers to map how risk escalates across the spectrum. Across these categories, the data underscored a consistent pattern: the tighter glucose control achieved during routine medical care may yield meaningful gains in cardiovascular health over time. (attribution: Lancet Regional Health, LSHTM)
From a public health vantage point, the implications are meaningful for both patients and clinicians in North America. Ongoing blood sugar monitoring, regular lipid and blood pressure management, and upfront conversations about lifestyle choices can converge to reduce late-life heart disease risk. The findings reinforce a practical message: small, sustained improvements in weight, physical activity, and nutrition, coupled with evidence-based medication when indicated, can collectively lower the odds of heart disease in adults across the glucose spectrum. (attribution: Lancet Regional Health, LSHTM)
In summary, this study broadens the understanding of how glucose levels relate to cardiovascular risk, showing that even non-diabetic individuals with moderately raised glucose are at higher risk compared with those with healthier levels. It also raises awareness about potential sex-based differences in treatment patterns that may influence cardiovascular outcomes. The research serves as a reminder that cardiovascular prevention requires a comprehensive approach—screening for blood sugar, actively managing blood pressure and cholesterol when needed, and supporting patients in achieving sustainable weight and activity goals. (attribution: Lancet Regional Health, LSHTM)