Restoring a normal fasting blood sugar level prevents the development of type 2 diabetes just as well as reducing “the number on the scale,” latest research has revealed.
A new study from the University Hospital of Tübingen, Helmholtz Munich and the German Center for Diabetes Research has found that lowering your blood sugar without needing to lose weight can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by 71%.
One in 10 adults around the world are reported to be living with prediabetes, but unreported cases mean the actual number is higher.
Prediabetes means that your blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
If left untreated, people with prediabetes can go onto develop type 2 diabetes – a condition linked to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Experts recommend that people should adopt a healthy diet and increase their physical activity to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
During this trial, the team of researchers analysed more than 1,100 people, 234 of whom lost no weight throughout the study. Meanwhile, 22% of the group normalised their blood sugar levels, the findings have shown.
According to the academics, the participants who normalised their blood sugar levels without losing weight were 71% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, similar to a 73% lower risk among people who have lowered their weight.
Lead author Dr Andreas Birkenfeld said: “Restoring a normal fasting blood sugar level is the most important goal in preventing type 2 diabetes and not necessarily the number on the scale.
“Exercise and a balanced diet have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, regardless of whether weight is reduced.”
Dr Birkenfeld added: “Losing weight remains helpful, but our data suggests that it is not essential for protection against diabetes.
“In future, guidelines for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes should not only take weight into account, but above all blood glucose control and fat distribution patterns.”
To read the study, click here.
