Prediabetes means that blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
It is often considered an early warning sign for future diabetes. But its importance may extend to cardiovascular health as well.
The Miami Heart Study examined 2 352 adults without cardiovascular symptoms. Researchers compared people with normal glucose regulation, prediabetes and diabetes. They used detailed CT imaging to look for atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries that supply the heart.
Coronary plaque was found in 43% of people with normal glucose regulation. The proportion increased to 58% in people with prediabetes and 69% in those with diabetes.
The association with prediabetes remained even after researchers accounted for other cardiovascular risk factors.
Prediabetes was also associated with a greater likelihood of non-calcified plaque and plaque with high-risk features.
This does not mean that everyone with prediabetes has heart disease. It does show that changes in glucose regulation and cardiovascular health can be connected before diabetes develops.
