Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by the body’s inability to properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. This can occur either due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or because the body’s cells become resistant to insulin’s effects. Insulin is a hormone that helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it is used for energy.
There are two primary types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in children and young adults, occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes, more common in adults, is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity and inactivity, and it typically involves insulin resistance along with relative insulin deficiency.
Symptoms of diabetes can include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, and blurred vision. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and vision problems. Management of diabetes involves lifestyle changes, monitoring blood sugar levels, and may require medications or insulin therapy to maintain proper glucose control.
Recent studies have shed light on the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in managing diabetes and obesity. With over 215,000 diabetes patients treated with GLP-1RAs, researchers sought to evaluate…