It is well documented that type 2 diabetes is a leading factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke and blockages in the arteries. But the role of prediabetes as a causative factor for CV events has been less known. According to a study conducted by Adrian Michel, at Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak, prediabetes is strongly associated with the occurrence of heart attack and stroke.

      The single-centered, retrospective study included data from 25,829 patients treated within the Beaumont Health System in Michigan between 2006 and 2020. Patients were grouped into prediabetes or control group based on at least two A1c levels five years apart. A total of 12,691 patients and 13,138 were included in the prediabetes and control groups, respectively within the age ranged from 18 to 104 years. The cohort was followed for the 14-year study period. Investigators used international classification of disease codes or diagnostic codes to determine the occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event.

      The results revealed that serious cardiovascular events occurred in 18% of people with prediabetes compared with 11% of people with normal blood sugar levels over a median of five years follow-up and the relationship was strongest among males. Also, of major concern was the observation that even when patients in the prediabetes group were able to bring their blood sugar level back to normal, the risk of having a cardiovascular event was still relatively high. Events occurred in just over 10.5% of these patients compared with 6% of those with no diabetes or prediabetes.

      The researchers opined that clinicians should take necessary steps to prevent any adverse outcomes in all confirmed and suspected prediabetes cases.