A large study following nearly 1,600 healthy teenagers from age 17 to 24 shows that high blood sugar can cause early heart damage, even in young people who seem healthy.
Researchers found that 6.2% of 17-year-olds had high fasting blood sugar (known as prediabetes), which jumped to nearly 27% by age 24. More severe high blood sugar levels also increased fivefold during this time.
The study revealed that heart problems, like an enlarged heart and poor heart function, became more common as blood sugar levels stayed high. Teens with persistent high blood sugar had up to three times the risk of heart enlargement. Girls were especially affected, with heart damage progressing about five times faster than in boys.
Insulin resistance, a condition where the body struggles to control blood sugar, also raised the risk of early heart damage. Much of this risk was linked to increased body fat, showing how weight gain and insulin problems can worsen each other.
This research, led by the University of Bristol and the University of Eastern Finland, is the largest to track blood sugar and heart health in young people over time. It highlights the importance of healthy eating and lifestyle habits during adolescence to prevent future heart disease.
The findings warn that even normal-weight teens with high blood sugar may be on a path toward heart problems, making early prevention crucial-especially for girls.
The study was published in April 2025 and emphasizes the need for awareness and action to protect young hearts before serious disease develops.
Read more:
- How to Manage High Blood Sugar?
- What Is the Technical Term for High Blood Sugar?
- What is Considered High Blood Sugar for a Diabetic?
