Sugar → Insulin → Weight → Cholesterol → Artery Health
The biology
Constant sugar spikes force the pancreas to release more insulin. Over time, cells stop listening (insulin resistance). Excess insulin promotes belly fat, raises triglycerides, lowers HDL and pushes up small dense LDL — the worst kind for arteries.
What this means
This is the metabolic syndrome chain — it links pre-diabetes with heart attacks and strokes years before they happen.
Advice
Cut refined carbs and sugary drinks. Walk for 10–15 minutes after meals. Add strength training twice a week. Even 5% weight loss often turns this whole chain around.
Tests in this chain