Diet and exercise key in diabetes fight

There is no known cure for Type 2 diabetes but a healthy, active lifestyle helps keep the disease at bay, as a new study shows

There’s nothing we can do to prevent Type 1 diabetes. But around three in five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and being active.

A report in the journal Endocrinology, Diabetes And Metabolism suggests that people with diabetes who access appropriate support are able to manage their weight through healthy lifestyle changes.

The study, championed by Audley Health Centre in Staffordshire, involved 69 patients who were referred to a Slimming World group by their diabetes specialist nurse.

These patients were given up to 12 funded weekly Slimming World group sessions and were offered a second 12-week referral if they achieved a 3% weight loss.

By 12 months, patients on average had lost a clinically significant 5.5% of their weight showing Slimming World is effective for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, a quarter of patients achieved more than a 10% weight reduction and over 80% of patients saw improvements in their diabetes control. Remarkably, six patients (just under 10%) were able to reduce or stop taking their diabetes medication altogether. Dr Jacquie Lavin, head of nutrition and research at Slimming World, says: “We know the obesity crisis is a ticking timebomb, on both our personal health, and that of the NHS which is funding a vast range of treatments associated with Type 2 diabetes and other weight-related problems.

“The results showcase what can be done directly in the community, at a Slimming World group. We believe the support you get from being in a warm, empowering group environment is key to helping you eat more healthily and becoming more active too.”