Diabetes Archive

Articles

Do you have metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is defined as having at least three of the following: abdominal obesity, high blood triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and low HDL cholesterol levels. The condition significantly increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea. While each factor is problematic, the main driver is abdominal obesity, from visceral fat surrounding internal organs. The best way to reduce visceral fat is aerobic exercise, strength training, and a plant-based diet.

Diabetes drugs may improve risks for some conditions, but worsen others

A 2025 analysis suggested that GLP-1 medications used for diabetes and weight loss are associated with lower risks for an array of conditions, but that they increase risks for several others.

Dark chocolate may reduce risk of diabetes

A 2024 study observed that people who eat at least five servings of dark chocolate each week were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Daily dose of dark chocolate linked to lower diabetes risk

In a 2024 study, people with a habit of eating dark chocolate—about an ounce a day—were less likely to develop diabetes compared to those who didn't consume it.

Intensive lowering of blood pressure may protect people with type 2 diabetes from heart disease

People with type 2 diabetes may have greater protection from cardiovascular problems if they keep their systolic blood pressure (the first number in a reading) to 120 mm Hg or lower, according to a 2024 study.

Can dark chocolate help you avoid diabetes?

A large 2024 study of more than 112,000 people found that those who ate at least five ounces of dark chocolate each week had a 21% lower risk of developing diabetes within 30 years, compared with those who rarely or never ate chocolate.

Shining a light on the diabetes–heart disease connection

Having type 2 diabetes doubles a person's odds of heart disease, and this risk may be present as early as 30 years prior to the diabetes diagnosis, according to a 2024 study. The findings support the long-held observation of the shared underlying causes of diabetes and heart disease. These include factors that contribute to both conditions, especially the tendency to accumulate fat in the middle of the body, known as abdominal obesity. This problem tends to occur in tandem with high blood pressure, unhealthy lipid levels, and elevated blood sugar—a cluster of signs and symptoms called metabolic syndrome.

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