Got prediabetes? Tango with a mango and sing fado with avocado
Prediabetes isn't "before" anything when it comes to putting your heart health at risk. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology of more than 1.3 million folks found that having prediabetes increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by 21% -- especially for folks ages 18 to 24. And earlier findings show prediabetes ups your risk of heart attack by 25%. But the vast majority of folks who have prediabetes don't know it. FYI: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says prediabetes affects 40% of U.S. adults, and 80% of those folks are oblivious.
Knowing you have the condition (get a fasting blood glucose test) and then taking steps to protect your heart and return your blood glucose levels to normal is essential. The good news? A study in JAHA dishes up a tasty way to do that.
Eating fiber and nutrient-rich mangoes and avocados daily can improve the health of the lining of your blood vessels and regulate their tone (essential for preventing high blood pressure) as they reduce inflammation and your risk of blood clots. The researchers saw these benefits after obese participants ate the two fruits daily for eight weeks, as part of a daily diet of 1,500 calories for women and 1,750 calories for men.
Enjoying mangoes and avocados as part of a diet that's free of added sugars, unhealthy fats and highly processed foods can help reverse your prediabetes. Add daily exercise to that and, voila, you've got a healthy heart that will propel you toward a younger ActualAge. Discover your ActualAge and make a younger-every-day plan at 4YOUngevity.com
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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