This month we published two focused, practical pieces that people actually use: a clear guide to recognizing and treating folate deficiency in older adults, and a look at six real alternatives to Metformin now available in 2025. Both articles aim to help readers make smarter choices with concrete steps you can take or discuss with your clinician.
Older adults can develop folate deficiency quietly. Watch for steady fatigue, pale skin, a sore or smooth tongue, and unexplained memory changes. If you notice these, a simple blood test (serum folate and a complete blood count) can confirm low levels. The article walks through food-first fixes: add cooked spinach, lentils, chickpeas, fortified cereals, and orange juice. Those foods give folate plus other nutrients seniors need.
If a diet change isn’t enough, short-term supplementation is often used. We explain typical low-dose options and why pairing folate checks with a B12 test matters — treating folate without checking B12 can hide a B12 deficiency that needs its own treatment. Caregivers will find quick tips for adding folate-rich foods to meals and a checklist to bring to the doctor: symptom notes, recent meds, and a copy of current supplements.
Metformin is still common, but newer options are changing how doctors treat type 2 diabetes. Our review highlights Sitagliptin (Januvia) and other classes now used more often in 2025: GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, newer insulin formulations, and combination pills. For each we list how it works, who benefits most, and the trade-offs—like weight effects, kidney safety, and cost considerations.
We keep it practical: if you’re curious whether an alternative fits you, check these three things first—current kidney function, heart disease history, and weight goals. Then talk to your clinician about side effects, monitoring needs, and whether a step-up or switch makes sense. The article gives quick comparison bullets so you can ask targeted questions during your appointment.
Both posts aim to make medical topics usable, not confusing. Want the details? Click the full posts for step-by-step dietary tips, supplement doses to discuss with your clinician, and a breakdown of each diabetes drug with real-world pros and cons. If you prefer, print the short checklists from the articles and take them to your next visit — they speed up productive conversations with your healthcare team.
