Can Weight Loss Help Prevent Diabetes?

Can Weight Loss Help Prevent Diabetes?

Weight loss has its obvious health benefits. But did you know that it can also help you better manage your diabetes? Lifestyle changes are essential for those who are currently at a high risk of Type -2 diabetes – which occurs because of obesity, high cholesterol or a family history of the condition.

Maintaining a healthy weight now can help avoid serious health complications caused by diabetes in the future, such as heart disease, stroke or eye and foot problems. Needless to say, you also reap a host of health benefits.

Here is how weight loss can help you with diabetes.

1. Better A1C results

Weight loss improves insulin sensitivity, providing you with better results when you get an A1C test done. An A1C test gives you an overview of your average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months. As such, dieting and exercising can be the best way to manage diabetes.

2. Lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol

According to CDC, diabetes is linked with high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels. High blood pressure can harm your artery walls, whereas high cholesterol levels can lead to buildup on the damaged artery walls, creating further complications. Excess weight further adds to this problem. Obesity is a common risk factor for high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can be kept at bay by managing a healthy weight.

3. Decreased risk for vascular damage 

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society states that obesity and insulin resistance are also associated with vascular inflammation. As obesity progresses, cells in the body that store adipocytes (fat) enlarge, which increases inflammation in the body. This can lead to atherosclerosis, a disease caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Losing weight helps to lower insulin resistance and reduces the risk of inflammation.

4. Reduced risk of sleep apnea

With diabetes comes a high chance of experiencing sleep apnea. As many as 71 percent of adults with type 2 diabetes suffer from this disorder. Research shows that weight loss can improve obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping well also helps one get better control of their blood sugar. On the contrary, inadequate sleep can lead to hormone disruption and increased hunger, increasing the risk of obesity.

5. Increased mobility

According to various studies, people with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have mobility-related issues as people who don’t have diabetes. Mobility issues increase with obesity and lack of physical activity. People with diabetes also often suffer from bone and joint issues. Maintaining a healthy weight can help make day-to-day activities easier and keep mobility problems at bay.

Get professional support for your lifestyle changes.

FCBS Dubai is a slimming and wellness center that supports women in their weight loss and weight management journey. We leverage our team of experts along with advanced technologies to help clients reach their desired goals.

To know more about our weight loss services, call us on +971 4 3255481 or email us at info@fcbsglobal.com.