How To Protect Your Heart When You Have Prediabetes

Protecting your heart when you have prediabetes is crucial, as individuals with prediabetes have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes and strategies you can implement to improve heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease:

Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Since prediabetes involves higher than normal blood sugar levels, it's essential to manage your blood sugar through lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management.

Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and support heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, per week, along with strength training exercises at least two days per week.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight or maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce insulin resistance and lower the risk of heart disease. Focus on gradual weight loss through a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral strategies.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Adopting a heart-healthy diet can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve overall heart health. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet, while limiting processed foods, saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars.

Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels: Individuals with prediabetes are at increased risk of high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease and can worsen insulin resistance. If you smoke, seek support and resources to quit smoking, as quitting can significantly improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. .

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