New Delhi: It’s easy to overlook long-term health risks during the teen years, especially when your child seems fit and healthy. But a recent study is sounding the alarm that the effects of high sugar intake might be damaging young hearts much earlier than anyone realised — potentially as early as the late teens. Researchers from the University of Bristol, in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland, have uncovered a concerning link: teenagers with elevated blood sugar levels are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart changes by their mid-20s. The condition, known as left ventricular hypertrophy, involves the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle — the chamber responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
This type of enlargement doesn’t always come with symptoms at first, but it can quietly lay the groundwork for serious complications later in life, including irregular heartbeats, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac arrest.
More Than Just a Sugar Rush
The study followed nearly 1,600 young people from the Bristol region, many of whom had been tracked since birth as part of a long-term health research project. By the time they were 17, those with higher blood sugar levels — even if those levels didn’t yet qualify as diabetic — were already showing a greater likelihood of having an enlarged heart by the time they reached 24.
The risk wasn’t just limited to teens with obesity or visible health problems. Many appeared to be in good health. “Our research shows that even normal-weight teenagers, who appear healthy, may still be at risk if their blood sugar and insulin levels are high,” explained Professor Andrew Agbaje, senior author of the study.
Interestingly, the data also hinted that teenage girls might be more vulnerable to these heart changes than boys, though the reasons behind this aren’t fully understood yet. Hormonal differences or how males and females metabolise sugar might play a role, but more research is needed.
Understanding Blood Sugar and Its Impact
Sugar is a natural part of our diet and provides energy, especially when broken down into glucose. But problems arise when the body either produces insufficient insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, or becomes resistant to it. When this happens, excess sugar lingers in the bloodstream. Over time, this can harm blood vessels, nerves, and organs, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and heart conditions. Signs that someone may have elevated blood sugar include constant thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent urination, and unintended weight loss.
Teen Diets: A Growing Concern
Today’s teens are often exposed to highly processed foods and sugary drinks — from sodas and energy drinks to packaged snacks — that contribute significantly to elevated blood sugar levels. Combine this with increasingly sedentary lifestyles and screen-heavy routines, and the risk only intensifies.
What Can Parents Do?
This research is a wake-up call for parents, caregivers, and educators. While it’s tempting to assume teens are resilient and can bounce back from poor diet choices, their bodies may already be bearing the burden of those decisions. Here are a few practical steps to help support your teen’s heart health:
- Encourage meals rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
- Limit sugary drinks and processed snacks at home
- Promote regular physical activity and screen-free time
- Schedule regular health check-ups, including blood sugar tests if there’s a family history of diabetes
Today’s teens are often exposed to highly processed foods and sugary drinks — from sodas and energy drinks to packaged snacks — that contribute significantly to elevated blood sugar levels. Combine this with increasingly sedentary lifestyles and screen-heavy routines, and the risk only intensifies. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
