This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Mild Weight Loss Cuts Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes Patients May Benefit Even From Modest Weight Loss
Reviewed by
Louise Chang, MD
June 29, 2007 -- Weight loss doesn't have to be dramatic to help the health of people with type 2 diabetes, a new study shows.
The study, called Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes), included 5,145 people with type 2 diabetes.
The key finding: Losing a modest amount of weight -- about 8% -- reaped big health rewards, including better blood sugar control and less need for diabetes and blood pressure drugs.
"We're encouraged, based on our experience with Look AHEAD, that many overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes are able to achieve and maintain 7% to 10% or greater weight loss over the course of one year," researcher Mark Espeland, PhD, tells WebMD.
Espeland works in the public health sciences division of Wake Forest University's medical school.
Weight Loss and Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn't respond properly to insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. Being overweight or obese makes people more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Look AHEAD participants first weighed in, got checkups, and took exercise tests. Then they were randomly split into two similar groups.
Participants in one group got an intensive lifestyle makeover to help them lose at least 7% of their body weight in the study's first year. They attended dozens of group meetings, ate portion-controlled diets, and got help from behavioral psychologists and exercise specialists.
Their portion-controlled diets included liquid meal replacements or structured meal plans. Those participants were encouraged to walk or get other physical activity at home.
For comparison, participants in the other group got standard care, education, and support for their type 2 diabetes, with few group meetings and no specific diet or exercise plan.
Weight Loss Diabetes Results
In a year, participants in the intensive lifestyle program lost 8.6% of their body weight, boosted their aerobic fitness by 21%, improved their blood sugar control, and cut back on their need for diabetes and blood pressure medications.
Those in the comparison group lost less than 1% of their body weight. But they did upgrade their fitness somewhat, though not as much as those in the lifestyle program.
"Many markers of health improved in both groups," Espeland tells WebMD.
Look AHEAD will continue to see if the short-term results hold up over time. "This is the primary reason for Look AHEAD," says Espeland.
Many Ways to Lose Weight
In the journal, the researchers note that the Slim-Fast Foods Company and other firms -- as well as many government and educational grants -- support Look AHEAD.
But liquid meal replacements weren't necessarily essential to the results.
"While we felt that liquid meal replacements were helpful for many individuals to achieve and maintain weight loss, we viewed them as one of several strategies that could be jointly used," Espeland tells WebMD.
"Our protocol was designed to enable individuals to meet study goals for weight loss using a toolbox of approaches that were tailored to individual’s success. We cannot attribute our overall success to any single approach," says Espeland.
© 2007 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Become a Rite Aid wellness+ for diabetes member and get:
- Diet tips and fitness ideas
- Tools and trackers to help monitor your blood sugar and more
- Special offers and money-saving coupons
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
