India, Jan. 14 -- Most people focus on exercise and cholesterol when thinking about heart health, but blood sugar is just as critical. High blood sugar can silently damage the heart and arteries over time, often before diabetes is even diagnosed. Early action can change the trajectory entirely.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Priya Palimkar, Senior Consultant - Cardiology, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Nagar Road, Pune, explains how controlling blood sugar early can dramatically lower the chance of developing heart disease. (Also read: Mumbai urologist explains how the 'toilet paper you use daily' could increase your risk of urinary tract infections )

"Properly controlling new-onset diabetes, especially in the first few year...