Dopamine, our body’s happy hormone, plays a big role in helping us feel satisfied and motivated. But is there a way to naturally increase it to give us that ‘good job’ feeling all day long?

Millions of people visit hospitals with diabetes-related complications each year. New research has found that mental health disorders account for a notable proportion of hospital admissions. Those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in earlier adulthood are more likely to be affected by mental health concerns. More research is needed into how early diagnosis impacts mental well-being.

If you have diabetes, nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections can lead to serious foot problems. However, you can take precautions to maintain healthy feet.

Proper blood sugar management can often help prevent or reduce skin problems that arise with diabetes. Conversely, some skin conditions can signal that glucose levels need to be addressed.

If you have diabetes, managing your blood glucose level is an important part of managing your condition. That’s because high blood sugar levels can cause long-term complications. Knowing your numbers will also help inform your doctor about changes you may need to make to your treatment plan.

New research has revealed that diabetes remission is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Type 2 diabetes remission is possible through lifestyle interventions — such as exercising and eating healthy — that lead to significant weight loss. It can be difficult to maintain diabetes remission through lifestyle changes alone, but if long-term remission is achieved, the effects on heart and kidney health can be substantial.

Insulin resistance increases your risk of developing diabetes. You could be insulin resistant for years without knowing it. This condition typically does not trigger any noticeable symptoms, so it’s important to have a doctor regularly check your blood glucose levels.

Dietary guidelines from around the globe traditionally recommend that you get around 45–65% of your daily calories from carbs if you have diabetes. However, a growing number of experts believe that people with diabetes should eat far fewer carbs. In fact, many recommend less than half this amount. Counting your carbs will help ensure that you stay within the range that’s best for you.

Some people use the term “borderline diabetes” to refer to pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a term used by medical professionals and is a condition that may occur before a person develops type 2 diabetes.

A direct connection exists between the pancreas and diabetes. The pancreas is an organ deep in your abdomen behind your stomach. It’s an important part of your digestive system.

Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. Research shows that intermittent fasting is a way to manage your weight and prevent — or even reverse — some forms of disease. But how do you do it? And is it safe?

There are a few ways to do intermittent fasting, but they all involve alternating periods of fasting and eating. Some research suggests this may have benefits beyond weight loss, like improved brain and heart health.

Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet is both delicious and nutritious. It may help manage your weight, protect your heart, and prevent diabetes.

Just how much impact can diet have? A Mediterranean style of eating reduced heart disease risk by 28-30% in a large 2013 study from Spain. But you don’t have to live near the Mediterranean to get the benefits.

Indulging in crash diets and fad diets can often end up on this roller coaster going from one diet to another leaving you feeling miserable, hungry and tired. Diets are about what you ‘can’t’ have, what you ‘can’t’ eat, making life all very negative.

Humans have always been fascinated by the secret to sustained youth or learning how to live longer. Researchers set out to discover whether the specific foods, eating patterns and lifestyles of the longest-living communities on the planet might hold the answer.

Extreme dieting can be counterproductive and even dangerous. This article consults bariatric surgeon and author of Why We Eat (Too Much), Dr Andrew Jenkinson, and registered nutritional therapy practitioner, Julia Young, about the consequences of rapid weight loss.

Those trying to kick-start their weight loss or wanting to lose a few pounds before a big event or holiday may be tempted to try a crash diet. The reality is that crash diets may actually work against you – and may make weight loss more difficult.

It’s fun to share a good laugh, but did you know it can actually improve your health? Learn how to harness the powerful benefits of laughter and humour.

Whether you're guffawing at a sitcom on TV or quietly giggling at a newspaper cartoon, laughing does you good. Laughter is a great form of stress relief, and that's no joke.