Study: Normalize Blood Sugar, Not Just Weight, to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
A groundbreaking study led by researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Glasgow has challenged conventional wisdom in preventing type 2 diabetes. The research, published in collaboration with other UK institutions, suggests that normalising blood sugar levels should be prioritised over weight loss.
The study, involving a large cohort, found that a healthy lifestyle, comprising regular exercise and a balanced diet, can significantly improve blood sugar levels, regardless of weight loss. Surprisingly, 22% of participants who did not lose weight, or even gained some, managed to normalise their blood sugar levels through these lifestyle changes.
This positive impact on blood sugar levels translates to a substantial reduction in type 2 diabetes risk. Those who successfully normalised their blood sugar levels, without necessarily losing weight, had a 71% lower probability of developing the condition over the next nine years. These findings underscore the importance of blood sugar control and fat distribution patterns in diabetes prevention and treatment, shifting focus away from weight loss alone.
The study's implications are profound. Future guidelines for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes should prioritise blood sugar control and consider individual fat distribution patterns, rather than solely focusing on weight loss. This nuanced approach could help tailor interventions, benefiting a wider range of people at risk of type 2 diabetes.
