Controlling Diabetes with Weight Loss

Type II Diabetes

If you’re a type 2 diabetic chances are you may have a few extra pounds to lose. In fact, the American Diabetes Association estimates that nine out of 10 people with newly diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.

The latest research brings good news for people with type 2 diabets who lose weight. It indicates that people with type 2 diabetes who lose weight shortly after being diagnosed, appear to have better glycemic (blood glucose) and blood pressure control. The best news is that the weight loss benefit remains, even if those people regain the weight later.

In the study, the group that lost weight lost an average of 10 percent of their starting weight over a period of approximately 18 months. Researchers did not record the weight loss methods used in this group, nor did they include any patients who died during the study in their statistics. The study was published in the August 12 Online First issue of Diabetes Care. Study participants had all been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. A total of 2,574 patients between the ages of 21 to 75 participated.

Researchers compared three groups: people whose weight was high but stable; people with low but stable weight; and participants who gained weight. None of these groups had the same rate of control (as measured by the A1C3) as the group of participants who lost weight. Participants with a high-but-stable weight and participants who gained weight were more likely to exhibit high blood pressure as well.

There is already significant evidence demonstrating obesity is a factor in type 2 diabetes. What is interesting is that losing weight immediately after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has a significantly positive impact. Though it is best to maintain a healthy weight, the health benefits continued even if weight was regained. In fact, the participants who lost weight immediately after their diagnosis had a tendency to maintain better control over the disease, their blood pressure, and their lipids (or cholesterol) levels.

Within the last year, researchers have also determined that the location of excess weight on the body can affect the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. People who tend to hold their weight around their abdomen are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who hold their weight around their hips.

No matter where excess weight falls on the body, obesity and overweight coupled with diabetes can cause serious health problems. Another recent study reaffirmed that fact when researchers discovered that people living with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Over a span of 30 years, women with diabetes had a 54 percent chance of developing cardiovascular disease; for men with diabetes, it was 78 percent. However, when women with diabetes were also overweight or obese, they were 79 percent more likely to have heart disease; men 86.9 percent. Excess weight also increases blood pressure and cholesterol—contributors to heart disease.

Losing weight is one of the best ways to improve health and prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Weight loss benefits include:

• Lower blood glucose, or in other words, better blood glucose control.
• Lower blood pressure—especially if your blood pressure is higher than normal.
• Improved blood fats, like lower cholesterol and triglycerides—especially if your levels are elevated.
• Less stress on joints, including hipes, knees, ankles, and feet.
• Improved mobility.
• Easier breathing.
• Increased energy.

When starting a weight loss program, it is best to focus on slow and sustained weight loss rather than quick-fixes. Examining diet and eating habits, as well as increasing exercise are arguably the best weight loss tools. For more information about healthy weight loss as a method of controlling type 2 diabetes, check out these daily updates and articles on the My Diabetes Information Web site:

• Revving the Engine
• Are You Mentally Prepared to Lose Weight?
• Food for Fuel: Diabetes Workout Nutrition
• Diabetes Benefits from Resistance Training Exercise
• Measuring Your Waistline is Helpful for You, Not Your Doctor

 Always talk to your doctor before beginning a weight loss program.