A recent study published in The American Journal of Cardiology has found that sustained weight loss in people living with overweight or obesity reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat particles in the blood)— conditions that are major factors in the development of heart disease.  

The study also showed that weight loss for people already living with type 2 diabetes was similarly helpful, with the results showing a decrease in blood glucose levels. However, the benefits of weight loss for people with type 2 diabetes go much further than that.  

Even if you are not living with overweight or obesity living with type 2 diabetes can put you at increased risk of heart disease. This is because diabetes can change the chemical makeup of some of the substances found in the blood, and cause blood vessels to narrow or clog up completely.  

When combined with excess weight, particularly around your waist, the risk of heart disease increases. In fact, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are among the most common factors for stroke and heart disease, with heart disease being the number one cause of death for people with type 2 diabetes. 

Understanding these links between type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and overweight/obesity is an important step in creating a healthy lifestyle that reduces the risk of heart disease. Like a series of dominoes, conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure can cause other conditions to arise.  

Thankfully, navigating these different conditions that occur all around the body can often be addressed in a uniform way. By eating well and undertaking moderate daily physical activity, you can help take care of your heart, manage your diabetes, and lower your blood pressure, all at once.  

A key focus of the recent study was sustained weight loss. Long-term, sustainable weight loss through regular healthy choices was shown to be much more beneficial to overall health. Crash dieting, and other methods of fast weight loss, often result in a regain of weight and a loss of any health benefits for your heart and body.  

Losing as little as 5-10% of your weight can reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s important to note family history can also play a part in your heart health, so check with your doctor if you have any concerns. 

Key points 

• Staying in a healthy weight range is a key factor of managing your type 2 diabetes and looking after your heart 
• Heart disease is the number one cause of death in people with type 2 diabetes 
• Eating healthily and incorporating exercise into your daily routine is the best way to look after your whole body.  

For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia ‘Take Diabetes 2 Heart’ website 

The full study from The American Journal of Cardiology can be found here