Losing weight post diabetes diagnosis can stem complications

According to reports from a Kaiser Permanente study published in Diabetes Care, those people that lose weight shortly after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes keep better control of blood pressure and blood sugar . Furthermore, they are more likely to maintain control even if they put weight back on.
Dr. Feldstei, the lead author of the study, was reported as commenting: “Our study shows that early weight loss can reduce the risk factors that so often lead to diabetes complications and death. We’ve known for a long time that weight loss is an important component in diabetes treatment and prevention. Now it appears there may be a critical window of opportunity following diagnosis in which some lasting gains can be achieved if people are willing to take immediate steps toward lifestyle changes.”
To glean their results, the researchers followed 2,500 adults with type 2 diabetes over a four year period. Study co-author Gregory Nichols PHD. Was reported as commenting: “We don’t know if the initial weight loss increased the body’s sensitivity to insulin, or if the sustained lifestyle changes were the reason for the long-term health benefits. But we do know that losing weight reduces the risk factors that often lead to heart disease, blindness, nerve and kidney damage, amputations, and death in type 2 diabetes patients.”