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Does your blood sugar hover on the high side? Recent research tells us this is a health problem even if we don’t have diabetes. Elevated non-fasting glucose levels are linked to higher risks of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and myocardial infarction (MI), according to researched published this summer in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
A normal non-fasting blood glucose level is 180 mg/dL or less, says the American Diabetes Association. (Normal for a fasting glucose level is 100 mg/dL or less. A level of 100-126 is considered to be pre-diabetes, and a level exceeding 126 indicates diabetes.)
The study used non-fasting blood glucose level and found that for every 18 mg/dL over the 180 mg/dL mark corresponded to a 25% higher risk for IHD and a 69% higher risk for MI, which is a heart attack. The researchers also found that people with non-fasting blood glucose levels of 198 mg/dL or higher were over twice as likely to suffer from IHD and about 5 times more likely to have a heart attack, when compared to people with sugar levels below 90 mg/dL.
Researchers have long known that high glucose is linked to inflammation in the body, which contributes to multiple diseases, including atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the walls of the arteries). Atherosclerosis is a risk factor for heart attacks, blood clots, strokes, and aneurysms.
Given that individuals with kidney disease are already high risk for cardiovascular disease, blood sugar levels must be carefully watched, even in patients without diabetes. Following a healthful diet that limits simple sugars and cuts out sweetened beverages, is also important.
While we like the DASH diet, any good eating plan that emphasizes lots of servings of whole fruit; a colorful array of vegetables; whole grains as opposed to processed; modest amounts of protein primarily from fish, seafood, poultry, nuts/seeds, and vegetable sources; healthy oils; and low-fat dairy is beneficial. Definitely, eliminate sweetened drinks, including punches, colas, and sodas. Go for whole grains rather than refined products.
Finally, add exercise. A 30-minue brisk walk each day can do wonders to reduce heart risk and help you regulate blood sugar levels.
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