Fifteen percent of U.S. adults have diabetes. Another 38 percent have prediabetes (and 8 out of 10 of them don’t know it). Together, that comes to one in two adults with harmful blood sugar levels. The good news: Many cases can be prevented and, in some people, even reversed. Here's what to know about prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Insulin acts as a key that allows blood sugar (glucose) to enter the body’s cells, where it can be burned for fuel or stored. But in some people, the key can’t open the lock.
In May, the Food and Drug Administration approved tirzepatide—which patients inject under their skin weekly—to treat type 2 diabetes, because in clinical trials it cut hemoglobin A1c levels (a long-term measure of blood sugar) even more than taking insulin. The FDA has not yet approved tirzepatide for weight loss. But that may soon happen.
Roughly 40 percent of U.S. adults have obesity. Another 30 percent have overweight. Extra pounds raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, several cancers, and more. Here’s the latest on what’s driving weight gain and two new medications that may revolutionize its treatment.
What’s the best diet if you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? Researchers assigned 33 people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to eat a “Well-Formulated Keto Diet” or a “Mediterranean-Plus Diet” for 12 weeks each, in random order.
In a recent study, researchers analyzed DNA to create genetic risk scores for type 2 diabetes in 35,759 nurses and health professionals, then calculated each person's diet score over time.
Anyone aged 35 to 70 with overweight or obesity should get screened for type 2 diabetes or prediabetes every three years, says the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Doctors should consider screening American Indians/Alaska Natives, Blacks, Hispanics/Latinos, and Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders at even younger ages, because those groups have a higher risk, said the task force. Ditto for Asian-Americans in the upper half of the “normal” weight range, anyone who had gestational diabetes, or anyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome or a family history of diabetes.
