Sugar In and Sugar Out: The Modern Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

A few days ago the results of a potentially game-changing trial on the treatment of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial) were presented at an international diabetes conference in Stockholm, Sweden and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine (1). For the first time, a study has found that a drug that … Read more

Less Heart Disease Despite More Diabetes; The Role of Diet

The diverging trends in heart disease and diabetes represent a public health paradox of immense importance. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are well-known risk factors for coronary heart disease. However, whereas the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes is increasing, the death rate from coronary heart disease is declining. This interesting paradox was recently addressed in two … Read more

The Road to Diabetes and Heart Disease – The “Ticking Clock” Hypothesis

One of the key reasons we do not want to get diabetes is that we will be more likely to be hit by heart disease or stroke or even Alzheimer’s disease for that matter. It’s scientifically proven. Having diabetes is associated with an increased risk of getting these disorders. But, does diabetes cause heart diseases or stroke? Hmm, … Read more

HbA1c and Diabetes – Glycated Hemoglobin (A1c) Explained

Diabetes and its complications remain a major cause of early disease and death worldwide. The diagnosis of diabetes is to a large extent based on detecting elevated levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Blood sugar levels can easily be measured at home with a glucometer. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is another laboratory measure frequently used for this … Read more