Diabetes and metabolic health Archive

Five numbers give a thumbnail assessment of overall heart health and what factors people might need to address to lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke. These numbers offer ideal goals for most people, although targets vary for individuals based on age or other health conditions.

A 2026 study found that sleeping 7.3 hours on weeknights may be associated with better blood sugar regulation by improving insulin sensitivity—how efficiently cells respond to insulin and absorb sugar from the bloodstream.

Pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia—marked by high blood pressure that can impair organ function and affect blood vessels—are increasingly tied to higher lifetime cardiovascular risks. Women with these complications face greater odds of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

The thyroid gland releases hormones that affect the heart. Too little thyroid hormone slows the heart rate and may boost blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while too much can trigger abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure.

People consume too much added sugar — extra amounts that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavor and extend shelf life — which can have a serious impact on heart health.

A new fatty liver diagnosis can be a wake-up call. Explore how diet, exercise, weight loss, and cutting alcohol may help protect your liver.

Unexplained weight loss, frequent hunger, and feeling shaky or ill between meals may signal blood sugar swings that deserve a closer look.

Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system is over-stimulated all the time. It’s not clear why chronic inflammation develops in the body, but it is linked to many chronic conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Research suggests that people who stop taking GLP-1 weight-loss drugs typically regain all the weight they lost in under two years. To sustain their progress, these people should eat more protein, fiber, and healthy fats; eat on a consistent schedule; exercise; and prioritize sleep.