Study Reveals Adolescence High Blood Sugar Increases Heart Damage Risk

A recent study has unveiled that persistent high blood sugar levels during adolescence significantly elevate the risk of heart damage as individuals transition into young adulthood. Conducted by an international team including researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, Baylor College of Medicine, and several European institutions, the findings have been published in Diabetes Care.

The research followed 1,595 adolescents from the University of Bristol's Children of the 90s cohort, tracking participants from the age of 17 to 24. The study aimed to assess prediabetes prevalence, defined by elevated fasting blood glucose levels, using two distinct benchmarks: >=5.6 mmol/L, in line with American Diabetes Association guidelines, and >=6.1 mmol/L, commonly accepted in many countries.

At 17 years old, 6.2% of the adolescents exhibited a fasting blood sugar level of >=5.6 mmol/L, which surged to 26.9% by age 24. Meanwhile, the prevalence of levels >=6.1 mmol/L rose from 1.1% to 5.6% in the same timeframe. The study also noted a concerning increase in heart-related issues, with left ventricular hypertrophy (a condition characterized by excessive heart enlargement) rising from 2.4% at 17 to 7.1% at 24 years. Furthermore, the incidence of heart dysfunction escalated from 9.2% to 15.8% during this period.

The data indicated that adolescents with consistently high fasting blood sugar (>=5.6 mmol/L) faced a 46% heightened risk of developing left ventricular hypertrophy. This risk tripled for those with levels consistently at or above 6.1 mmol/L. The study highlighted that elevated blood glucose levels not only impaired heart muscle relaxation but also disrupted normal cardiac function, leading to increased pressure within the heart.

Additionally, persistent insulin resistance was linked to a 10% rise in the risk of premature heart damage. Notably, during the seven-year observation, glucose levels contributed significantly to the increase in cardiac mass, particularly among females, who experienced a more considerable rise compared to their male counterparts.

Previous research has established a connection between high blood sugar and insulin resistance in youth, predicting a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, especially if diagnosed at a younger age. However, this study uniquely focused on the early effects of high blood sugar and insulin resistance on heart health, a topic that had not been extensively explored before due to the lack of large-scale echocardiographic assessments in healthy adolescents.

This research represents the largest and longest follow-up of glucose levels and echocardiographic evaluations among a relatively healthy young population. The study meticulously measured fasting blood glucose and insulin at ages 17 and 24, alongside echocardiographic assessments during the same periods. The research team also accounted for various factors, including blood pressure, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and family history of cardiovascular disease, to ensure comprehensive analysis.

The findings underscore the critical nature of late adolescence as a pivotal period for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Notably, this study revealed that even adolescents who appear healthy and maintain a normal weight may be at risk for cardiovascular diseases if they exhibit high blood sugar and insulin resistance.

Researchers found an alarming trend that high blood sugar could adversely affect the hearts of females at an accelerated rate compared to males, highlighting the necessity for targeted preventive measures for young women. The study emphasized the reciprocal relationship between worsening insulin resistance and increased body fat, suggesting that lifestyle and dietary choices play a significant role in this troubling trend.

In conclusion, the pronounced increase in prediabetes prevalence amongst adolescents over the seven-year period accentuates the urgent need for promoting healthy lifestyle habits, especially as teenagers gain independence from parental guidance.