11 Research-Backed Habits to Prevent Heart Disease

7. Prevent and control diabetes and high blood sugar

Diabetes substantially raises the risk of heart disease. Longitudinal research, including work highlighted by Harvard, shows that habits formed in young adulthood shape heart outcomes later in life, and preventing diabetes is central to those habits. Lifestyle measures — weight management, regular activity, and whole-food, lower-glycemic eating — prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in people at risk. Monitor fasting glucose or HbA1c levels as recommended and follow up with your clinician for personalized thresholds. For daily meals, favor dals, whole grains, and vegetables in tiffin choices, and reduce sugary drinks and refined snacks. If you already have diabetes, good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids together lowers cardiovascular risk much more than controlling glucose alone. Use monitoring tools, take medications as prescribed, and work with a diabetes educator when available to set practical targets and meal plans that fit your lifestyle.