Many people with diabetes experience subtle symptoms, such as increased thirst, fatigue, or frequent urination, that can go unnoticed or be mistaken for something less serious. By recognizing these early signs, you can take steps toward healthier living and better long-term health outcomes.

Carb counting is a method for managing blood sugar levels by tracking the amount of carbohydrates in the foods and beverages you consume. It involves tracking the number of carbohydrates you consume in your meals and snacks. Carbohydrates, or carbs, are found in foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and sweets.

Insulin resistance is is becoming prevalent, affecting approximately 34% of Americans. This condition is particularly common in individuals with obesity or a family history of diabetes. As rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles continue to rise, so too does the prevalence of insulin resistance, putting millions at risk of serious health complications, including heart disease.

People with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels to maintain good health and prevent complications. Several factors can influence blood sugar levels: foods you eat, physical activity, time of the day.

Both aspartame and xylitol can be suitable for diabetic patients, but aspartame may be the safer choice due to its extensive safety record and lack of associated cardiovascular risks.

A blood sugar spike occurs when blood glucose levels rise rapidly after eating, particularly after consuming foods high in sugars or refined carbohydrates. These foods are quickly digested, causing a surge of glucose into the bloodstream that the body may struggle to handle.

Managing diabetes in older age presents distinct challenges but also offers opportunities to adopt preventive strategies that protect your health. Recognizing these factors can significantly impact your overall quality of life.

Even if you don’t have noticeable diabetes symptoms, factors including a family history of diabetes, being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, or belonging to an at-risk age means you should consider speaking with your healthcare provider about screening.

Managing diabetes involves making informed choices about what you eat. Two important tools that can help you make better dietary decisions are the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). They measure blood sugar reponse to food, providing insights into how quickly and significantly foods can raise your glucose levels.

Initially developed for diabetes management, SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated benefits for heart health and overall mortality reduction. While the exact mechanisms are still unclear, emerging evidence suggests a link to senescent cell clearance. By potentially ridding the body of these harmful cells, SGLT2 inhibitors may contribute to improved health and longevity.

A T2D diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. There are many resources available from healthcare providers including doctors and dieticians, as well as community programs, support groups, online resources and many more. Remember, these changes don't have to happen overnight. Gradually incorporating small adjustments into your life can lead to significant improvements over time.

When deciding between Victoza and Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes, key factors to consider include their effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels, potential for weight loss, dosing frequency, and possible side effects. While both medications belong to the same class of GLP-1 agonists, they differ in their administration schedules and specific benefits.

Metformin works by decreasing sugar production in the liver, decreasing absorption of sugars in your digestive tract, and increases uptake of sugars to your muscle, thus improving insulin sensitivity.

Have you heard of medications like Jardiance, Farxiga, or Brenzavvy? These drugs belong to a class called SGLT2 inhibitors, which have gained significant popularity in recent years for managing type 2 diabetes.

Teva Pharmaceuticals launched the first generic GLP-1 receptor agonist, an authorized generic version of Victoza, in June 2024. While expected to increase access, initial price reductions may be limited compared to typical generics.

Tradjenta, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, offers a targeted approach to managing type 2 diabetes. By elevating the levels of incretin hormones in the body, Tradjenta effectively reduces blood sugar levels, providing a valuable therapeutic option for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Farxiga and Brenzavvy help lower blood sugar levels by removing excess sugar through urination. Normally, the kidneys filter sugar out of the blood and reabsorb it back into the bloodstream. However, SGLT2 inhibitors like Farxiga and Brenzavvy block this reabsorption process. This means that instead of the sugar being reabsorbed, it is expelled from the body through urine. As a result, blood sugar levels decrease, which can also improve longer-term measures such as A1C levels.

DPP-4 inhibitors enhance the action of incretin hormones essential for lowering blood sugar levels by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, which is responsible for their breakdown. This action increases the hormones' presence and activity, helping to manage blood sugar levels more effectively.

Regular diabetic eye exams are crucial for maintaining eye health in individuals with diabetes. Even if your general doctor conducts routine eye checks, it is essential to undergo a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years with an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Januvia and Tradjenta are oral diabetic medications that belong to the same drug class known as DPP-4 inhibitors, used either as monotherapy or in combination with metformin to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. While both medications regulate blood sugar levels by working in a similar manner, there are differences between them. This is why physicians carefully evaluate each patient's unique situation to determine the most appropriate medication.