Metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Fortamet) is typically prescribed to counteract the effects of insulin resistance -- the body's sluggish response to the blood-sugar-lowering hormone insulin. Insulin resistance can lead to high blood sugars and may eventually progress to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

The fiber in grapefruit may help stabilize your blood glucose levels. Properties in grapefruit may also help lower your insulin levels, lessening your risk of developing diabetes, as well as a heart attack or stroke.

Nerve damage symptoms don't need to stop you from exercising, but they do pose some limitations on which exercises you can, and should, do. Nerve damage symptoms can include muscle weakness, pain, numbness and tingling.

So you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, and you’re told to watch your sugar intake by your doctor. It is a common misconception that sugar alone will raise your blood sugar and lead to the development or worsening of diabetes.

High levels of cortisol put a strain on your body's health. It is normal for cortisol levels to rise during times of acute stress, but it is abnormal for these levels to remain high. Prolonged elevated levels of this steroid hormone affect immune function, metabolic pathways for use of energy and chronic disease risk.

Many people do not consider cherries when they think of nutritious foods. According to Jonny Bowden, Ph.D. in his book "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," cherries are among the most healthful fruit you can eat.

The American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association developed the diabetic exchange diet to help manage weight and blood sugar for the diabetic. The diet divides foods into groups based on similarities in calorie and carbohydrate contents.

Neuropathy is a term given to nerve damage that affects all regions of the body. Proximal neuropathy refers to nerve damage of the legs and arms; peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage of the extremities, such as the feet and hands.

After a diabetes diagnosis, your may fear you have to give up your favorite carbohydrate-rich meals like spaghetti and other pastas. Although it’s true that you need to keep careful watch over how many carbs, calories and fat you take in, you can accommodate an occasional serving of spaghetti.

When you are cooking within the guidelines of a diabetic meal plan, it can be hard to find a way to include classic favorites. A diabetic diet needs to be well balanced with proteins, fruits and vegetables.

One of the most persistent myths is that sugar is off limits to people with diabetes. In reality, if you have diabetes, you can enjoy foods like desserts provided you keep within an overall healthy eating plan. But be wary of claims about sugar-free products like candy.

Insulin resistance and diabetes are not the same thing, but these medical issues are closely related. With insulin resistance, the body stops responding normally to the hormone insulin. This leads to a buildup of blood sugar. If left unchecked, insulin resistance commonly leads to type 2 diabetes (T2DM).