Broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu's pre-diabetes diagnosis highlights risks and prevention strategies

South Korean broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu's recent disclosure of his pre-diabetes diagnosis and past experience with a stent procedure has brought renewed attention to the importance of managing blood sugar levels. Experts emphasize that pre-diabetes is not merely a precursor but a warning sign that the body's ability to regulate blood sugar is already compromised.

Lee Kyung-kyu shared on his YouTube channel that he has been battling blood sugar issues for five years, significantly impacting his quality of life. He revealed that a past blood sugar spike led to a blood clot that blocked a coronary artery, necessitating a stent implantation. His HbA1c levels, which reflect average blood sugar over two to three months, had previously reached 6.8% but dropped to 5.8% with diet management, only to rise again to 6.2-6.3%. Generally, HbA1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate pre-diabetes, while 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.

Dr. Ahn Ji-hyun, a senior researcher at KMI Korea Institute of Medical Research, stressed that pre-diabetes should not be underestimated. "Many people think 'it's not diabetes yet, so it's okay,' but it should be seen as a warning light that the body has already started having trouble controlling blood sugar," she explained. Data from the Korean Diabetes Association indicates that approximately 14 million adults aged 30 and over, or 41.1%, have pre-diabetes. Among those 65 and older, the rate approaches 47.7%, meaning nearly one in two individuals in this age group is affected.

“

Many people think 'it's not diabetes yet, so it's okay,' but it should be seen as a warning light that the body has already started having trouble controlling blood sugar.

Dr. Ahn further noted that pre-diabetes often coexists with other cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and abdominal obesity. Even without meeting the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, elevated HbA1c levels can negatively impact vascular health. Excessive post-meal blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance can impair endothelial function and increase oxidative stress and inflammation. A meta-analysis of over 1.6 million individuals found that pre-diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, and overall mortality compared to normal blood sugar levels.

Experts also cautioned against relying solely on HbA1c levels for risk assessment, advising a holistic approach that considers blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, smoking status, abdominal obesity, and physical activity. The phenomenon of "blood sugar spikes", rapid fluctuations in blood glucose after meals, is also a concern. Dr. Ahn explained that these dramatic swings can repeatedly stress the vascular endothelium, likening it to a "rollercoaster" for blood vessels. This can be exacerbated by diets high in sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, as well as overeating and late-night meals.

Despite the risks, the pre-diabetes stage is considered a critical "golden time" for intervention. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) showed that a 7% reduction in body weight and 150 minutes of weekly exercise reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%. Dr. Ahn recommended managing weight, diet, exercise, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Simple dietary adjustments, such as eating vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates in that order, and a short walk after meals, can also help mitigate blood sugar spikes.

“

Pre-diabetes is a golden time that can still be reversed. Managing weight, diet, exercise, blood pressure, and cholesterol together is important.