Practice Consideration
Diabetes and Weight Loss
Some people with type 2 diabetes have derived clinical benefits from modest weight loss of 1 to 4 lb (0.5 to 2 kg), more so early in the development of the disease. Not all weight-loss interventions will produce an improvement in HbA1c at one year. Research has shown that the most consistent outcome is an improvement in cardiovascular risk factors (HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure).(1)
Regular physical activity along with a well-balanced diet based on carbohydrate from whole grains, legumes, dairy, fruits and vegetables promotes healthy body weight which in turn aids in blood glucose management.(2,3) A simple diabetes meal-planning approach, such as monitoring serving size and choosing healthy foods, may be better suited to some individuals, particularly the elderly or those with health, numeracy or literacy concerns.
References
1. Wing RR, K Koeske R, Epstein LH, Nowalk MP, Gooding W, Becker D. Long-term effects of modest weight loss in type II diabetic patients. Arch Intern Med. 1987; 147: 1749-1753.
2. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Diabetes Australia. General practice management of type 2 diabetes—2014–15. 2014; Accessed 20 September 2017. Available from: www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/Guidelines/Diabetes/2014diabetesmanagement.pdf
3. Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. Diabetes and Physical Activity: Your Exercise Prescription. 2014; Accessed 20 September 2017. Available from: http://guidelines.diabetes.ca/CDACPG/media/documents/patient-resources/diabetes-and-physical-activity- your-exercise-prescription-feb2014_1.pdf
Regular physical activity along with a well-balanced diet based on carbohydrate from whole grains, legumes, dairy, fruits and vegetables promotes healthy body weight which in turn aids in blood glucose management.(2,3) A simple diabetes meal-planning approach, such as monitoring serving size and choosing healthy foods, may be better suited to some individuals, particularly the elderly or those with health, numeracy or literacy concerns.
References
1. Wing RR, K Koeske R, Epstein LH, Nowalk MP, Gooding W, Becker D. Long-term effects of modest weight loss in type II diabetic patients. Arch Intern Med. 1987; 147: 1749-1753.
2. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Diabetes Australia. General practice management of type 2 diabetes—2014–15. 2014; Accessed 20 September 2017. Available from: www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/Guidelines/Diabetes/2014diabetesmanagement.pdf
3. Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. Diabetes and Physical Activity: Your Exercise Prescription. 2014; Accessed 20 September 2017. Available from: http://guidelines.diabetes.ca/CDACPG/media/documents/patient-resources/diabetes-and-physical-activity- your-exercise-prescription-feb2014_1.pdf
Updated September 20, 2017