Early-Life Hypertension Trajectories Predict Adult Fasting Glycemia: Bogalusa Findings

Abstract

Longitudinal data from the Bogalusa Heart Study confirm that children with persistently elevated blood pressure develop impaired fasting glucose as adults. The association remains significant after adjusting for BMI and lifestyle factors, highlighting the vascular-metabolic link. Mechanistic pathways may involve endothelial dysfunction, shared genetic risk, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Early detection and interventions targeting childhood hypertension could mitigate diabetes risk later in life.