Losing 15% of one’s weight would make it possible to treat not only hyperglycemia but also other ailments associated with obesity such as sleep apnea or fatty liver disease.
- Obesity is often a driver of type 2 diabetes
- A weight loss of at least 15% should, according to a study published in The Lancet, be at the heart of the management of this disease
What if a 15% weight loss became the main objective in the management of type 2 diabetes? This is what suggests a study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas and published on September 30 in The Lancet. This would have the effect of slowing down, way to reversing the progression, of the disease and its complications.
“We propose that for most patients with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease, the key is to manage the key underlying abnormality and driver of the disease, i.e. obesity, specifies the Dr Lldiko Lingvay, author of this study Such an approach would have the advantage of treating not only hyperglycemia but also other obesity-related complications such as fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and high blood pressure thus having a greater impact on the patient’s overall health than simply managing their blood sugar levels”.
A remission of the disease in 2 years
To reach these conclusions, Dr. Lingvay recalls the results of other studies, including the DIRECT trial, which evaluated the effects of a change in lifestyle in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes for less than 6 years. . This demonstrated disease remission within 2 years in 70% of patients who lost 15 kg or more for an average baseline weight of 100 kg. Other work looking at bariatric surgery has also shown immediate and lasting benefits for obese patients with type 2 diabetes by reducing their need for glucose-lowering drugs in the days following surgery and improving several long-term health indicators. term.
A weight loss of at least 15%
The study published in The Lancet states that “the main characteristics identifying people in whom increased body fat is a key factor in type 2 diabetes are the presence of fat around the waist, high blood pressure and fatty liver”. This makes Dr. Lingvay say that for this population, a total weight loss of at least 15% would improve glycemic control but above all prevent the long-term evolution of the disease and its complications. associated metabolism.
Dr. Lingvay’s work also includes recommendations for the follow-up of these obese patients with type 2 diabetes: “It is also essential that medical practice integrates weight management in these patients and that those who treat them acquire knowledge. ‘experience in all aspects of obesity management’.
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