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A number of recent studies suggest that a significant reduction in weight can improve diabetes management. Among these studies, the authors cite improved insulin resistance, reduced blood pressure, and reduced cholesterol levels. However, their findings were not statistically significant. This study is limited by the fact that healthcare providers were not blinded to the treatment groups. Moreover, the control group used more potentially cardioprotective drugs than the intervention group.
Insulin resistance
For patients with diabetes, weight loss may pose a major challenge. It is often difficult to lose weight because of insulin resistance, which is caused by the body’s inability to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body convert sugar into energy. However, if insulin levels are too high, the body becomes resistant to insulin, causing the body to store fat instead.
The link between obesity and T2DM is very strong. Most people with diabetes are obese, and a high BMI increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that individuals with a high BMI have a seven-fold greater risk of developing T2DM than lean people.
Improved blood sugar control
Improved blood sugar control after weight loss is a critical component of diabetes management. If done correctly, it can result in the long-term reduction of diabetes risk. The American Diabetes Association recommends a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, lean meat, and plant-based protein. Additionally, you should avoid processed foods and added sugar. Following these guidelines can help you achieve better control of your weight and type 2 diabetes.
Losing 5% of your body weight can improve your blood sugar control by up to 59%. In addition to improving your blood sugar control, losing weight can also improve your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to manage type 2 diabetes.
Incorporating a low-calorie, carbohydrate-controlled diet into your daily diet is another great way to improve blood glucose control. While you don’t need to restrict your diet entirely, you should make it a habit to include healthy foods as part of every meal. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and low-salt baked beans in your diet. You should also increase your intake of high-fibre grains and wholegrain bread.
Lower blood pressure
Regular visits to your provider can help you control your blood pressure. In some cases, you may only need to check it once per day. You can also get help from family and friends. They can drive you to your provider or help you start an exercise program. If you’re concerned about your blood pressure, you should ask your healthcare provider about the best course of treatment.
Having high blood pressure can increase your risk of many complications, including heart disease and kidney disease. High blood pressure also increases the risk of developing insulin resistance, which is the cause of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood pressure level of 130/80 mmHg or lower. If it’s higher than that, you may need to take medication to lower it.
Lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure and improve health overall. People with diabetes are twice as likely to have high blood pressure as people without it. Making these changes can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. People with high blood pressure should also consider diabetes medication if it is necessary. They are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if they don’t control their blood pressure.
Lowering blood pressure can help control diabetes and reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medications. The Diabetes UK-funded DIabetes REmission Clinical Trial has shown that weight loss can reduce blood pressure and help patients achieve remission of type 2 diabetes. In fact, some patients have been able to stop taking their blood pressure medication altogether, and their doctors are encouraged to continue using this new technique.
Exercise can also lower blood pressure. The researchers used an exercise BP monitor called the Accutracker 4240. They also followed a mental stress protocol, consisting of a baseline rest period followed by four tasks with 10 minutes between each.
Lower cholesterol levels
People with diabetes need to manage their cholesterol levels. This is because high cholesterol can put their hearts at risk. High cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in the arteries. To help prevent this, it is important to increase HDL cholesterol in the blood. This type of cholesterol helps to keep the arteries clear and carries LDL cholesterol to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated.
Fortunately, lowering cholesterol levels can be achieved through a combination of diet, exercise, and medication. While it may not be possible to prevent or reverse high cholesterol levels entirely, lowering cholesterol levels can help people with diabetes lower their risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Although the best way to lower cholesterol is through a healthy diet and exercise program, those with high cholesterol can still take steps to improve their risk by losing weight.
One way to lower cholesterol is to reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats. These fats are usually listed as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and are commonly found in margarine. If you are looking to lower cholesterol levels, look for dairy products that do not contain trans fats.
Eating more nuts is another way to lower cholesterol and lower the risk of CVD. These foods contain unsaturated fats, plant sterols, and stanols, which help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, these foods are high in fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and regulate cholesterol levels.
Reduced need for medication
In addition to improving the quality of life for people with diabetes, losing weight can reduce the need for diabetes medications. Losing weight may prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes or delay its progression. Weight loss also improves glycemic control, which may decrease the need for diabetes medication. Several small studies have shown that losing weight with extreme dietary energy restriction may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In one study, a very low-calorie diet reduced the A1C level by 6.5% and the fasting glucose level by 7.0 mmol/L.
Although type 2 diabetes is perceived as progressive, it is often reversible with a sustained weight loss of around 15 kilograms. In addition to the health benefits, losing weight also has a number of other benefits, including lower healthcare costs. For instance, the NHS spends around PS1 billion annually on antidiabetes medications. The rising incidence of diabetes is causing this cost to rise.
Losing weight reduces the need for insulin, which is a common part of diabetes management. Similarly, the type of fat consumed is also important. It’s best to replace saturated fats with mono or polyunsaturated fats. Trans-fats should be kept to a minimum. In the United States, this type of fat is banned in processed food, although small amounts are found naturally in meats. These small amounts are not harmful, though.