Higher blood sugar may lead to a higher risk for heart disease, even for those who have not been diagnosed as diabetic.

A study of older Americans found that for those whose bodies experienced a spike in glucose levels after meals, levels of triglycerides and a blood-clotting protein that impaired heart function both rose compared to the control group.

Those elevated levels are commonly associated with a higher risk for heart disease, and it is a concern because "in most cases, this mild form of high blood glucose causes no symptoms and is often overlooked by both doctors and patients, but studies have shown that it may be associated with increased risk of heart disease," said lead author Dr Jill Crandall.

Those who may be at risk including those who are overweight or obese, could use natural methods to lower their blood sugar.

By modifying one’s diet to include fewer carbohydrates, it may be possible to limit the stress on the body as it tries to process sugars.

Another protective measure could be adding nutritional supplements that include cinnamon or cloves, which scientists at the University of Georigia say may have an antioxidant effect that protects the heart from damage from high blood sugar.