Prediabetes in Older Adults: Education and Social Factors Elevate Cardiovascular Risk

A significant proportion of adults aged 65 and older are living with prediabetes, a condition that increases their susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes and heightens the risk of cardiovascular complications. Recent research from the University at Buffalo highlights how social determinants, especially education and economic stability, influence cardiovascular health outcomes in this demographic.

The study, published in ging,
analyzed data from the University of Michigan's Health and Retirement Study, encompassing 5,086 adults over 50 years with prediabetes. Researchers focused on five social risk domains: economic stability, environment, education, healthcare access, and social context. The investigation aimed to determine how these factors correlate with key cardiovascular indicators such as blood glucose control (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Findings revealed that lower education levels, specifically not graduating high school, consistently predicted worse outcomes across all major cardiometabolic markers, including glycemic control, blood pressure, and cholesterol ratios. Education emerged as a particularly potent social risk factor, even when accounting for other elements like financial stress or insurance status. Additionally, economic instability was associated with poorer cardiovascular outcomes.

Dr. Obinna Ekwunife, the study's lead author, explained that lower educational attainment impacts health through multiple interconnected pathways: limiting income and job opportunities, increasing exposure to stressful or unhealthy environments, and reducing health literacy. This combination hampers an individual's ability to understand, implement, and adhere to preventive or treatment strategies, ultimately worsening cardiovascular health.

The research underscores that addressing social disparities is crucial for improving health outcomes in older adults with prediabetes. Suggested strategies include culturally tailored health education, peer support programs, leveraging technology and health navigators, and policy initiatives such as integrating prediabetes management into Medicaid supportive services.

Ekwunife emphasizes that clinicians should actively consider social risks during diagnosis and treatment, advocating for screening social needs, clear communication, and resource linkage. For older patients, effective management extends beyond medical treatments to include accessible information and social support systems.

This study highlights the importance of a holistic approach in tackling health disparities, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden of cardiovascular complications in vulnerable older populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-older-adults-prediabetes-higher-cardiovascular.html