Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics who lose weight soon after
their diagnosis gain better control of their blood pressure and
blood sugar, says a study in the journal Diabetes Care. It also
is a benefit that lasts even if a person regains that weight.
"If you lose weight after diagnosis, you can achieve some long-
term benefits in terms of blood pressure and glycemic control
that extend even beyond the point at which you regain weight,"
says Gregory A. Nichols, Ph.D., co-author of the article. Dr.
Spyros Mezitis, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, says he
has not seen results like this before. He says this shows that
with a significant average weight loss of 23.5 pounds in 18
months, there is an improvement despite weight regain after 36
months. More than 20 million Americans now have type 2 diabetes,
and many are either overweight or obese. Studies have shown that
weight loss is important to maintain blood sugar and blood
pressure control, as well as to keep cholesterol levels in
check. These parameters,