Weight-loss program works for diabetic patients
SAN FRANCISCO A weight-loss program for patients with Type 2 diabetes has been shown to keep weight down after a year, according to results of a study presented this week at the Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association.
For the study, 85 patients with Type 2 diabetes participated in a 12-week weight-loss program. The patients’ average age was 54 and average weight was 235 pounds. The program involved exercise and diet. After the 12 weeks, patients were monitored for a year.
On average, patients lost nearly 25 pounds. After a year, average weight loss was 18 pounds, and 55 percent of participants continued losing weight.
Diabetes affects 20.8 million people in the U.S., according to the American Diabetes Association. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and results from the body not producing enough insulin or the cells rejecting it.