Diabetes Archive

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.

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.

Dentists can help detect health problems far beyond the mouth. These conditions include oral cancer, diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoporosis, acid reflux, and eating disorders. People can maximize their dental check-ups by sharing health updates and voicing health concerns. Only two-thirds of Americans visited the dentist in the past year, and many avoid dental visits due to fear or embarrassment. There are many strategies to help people tamp down these emotions, including music, relaxation, and medication.

About 98 million Americans have prediabetes, in which the average amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood is high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. While people with prediabetes want to avoid getting diabetes, prediabetes can be dangerous on its own, as it increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and fatty liver disease. Controlling blood pressure, lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, and managing glucose levels with weight loss, exercise, and diet offers protection against diabetes and these conditions.

A 2024 study found that people with erratic sleeping habits—going back and forth from sleeping less than seven hours to more than nine per night—had a 50% higher risk for diabetes than people who regularly slept the recommended seven to nine hours.

Older adults who consume ultra-processed foods as a substantial part of their diet have a higher risk of early death than those who eat less of these foods.

A 2024 Harvard study involving more than 84,000 diabetes-free people (average age 62), who were followed for seven years, found those whose sleep duration varied most had a 34% higher risk for diabetes, compared with those whose sleep duration varied the least.

Body roundness index, which is calculated based on a person's height, waist, and hip size, might be a more accurate measurement than body mass index for predicting weight-related health risks, according to a 2024 study.

Some people with diabetes use a device that continuously monitors the level of blood sugar. The monitor sends the information wirelessly to another device, such as a smartphone, so the person can easily see the blood sugar level. As of 2024, there is no solid evidence that these monitors can help people who do not have diabetes. However, the monitors may one day prove to be useful in people with diabetes risk factors, such as obesity, prediabetes, or a family history of diabetes.