Why Type 2 diabetes patients need more than just blood sugar monitoring

From news-medical.net/news

New research reveals that hidden hunger—deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals—is silently worsening Type 2 diabetes, affecting nearly half of patients worldwide. What does this mean for diabetes care and prevention? 

                                                                             Image Credit: Halfpoint / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, a group of researchers estimated the burden of micronutrient deficiencies in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and identified key patterns across demographics and geographic regions.

Background

Did you know that nearly half of individuals with T2DM lack essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and magnesium, which are critical for blood sugar regulation and insulin function? Despite this alarming reality, most patients remain unaware of these deficiencies.

Urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and the prevalence of processed diets have only worsened the crisis. For instance, individuals heavily reliant on fast food often miss out on crucial nutrients, intensifying diabetes-related complications. Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) are a silent epidemic, undermining metabolic health and quality of life. Yet, the broader burden of MNDs among T2DM patients remains underexplored, with most research narrowly focusing on single nutrients.

As global diabetes rates surge and lifestyle diseases dominate healthcare agendas, uncovering the true scale of this issue has never been more urgent. Emerging evidence indicates that micronutrient deficiencies may disrupt glucose metabolism and insulin signalling pathways, further contributing to the onset and progression of T2DM. Addressing these deficiencies is needed to improve disease management, prevent complications, and enhance millions of lives worldwide.

Role of Micronutrients in Diabetes: Micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D, magnesium, and B12, disrupt glucose metabolism and insulin signalling pathways, potentially accelerating the onset and progression of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

About the study

This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for studies published between 1998 and 2023.

Studies were included if they assessed the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among individuals aged 18 years or older with T2DM. Eligible study designs encompassed cross-sectional and cohort studies. Studies focusing on gestational diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, or individuals younger than 18 were excluded. Data extraction was performed using a standardized sheet capturing study characteristics, participant demographics, and prevalence data.

Statistical analyses were conducted using R software (version 4.3.2), applying a random-effects model to pool prevalence rates. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I-squared statistic, while publication bias was assessed with Egger’s test. Subgroup analyses were carried out to explore differences by sex, geographic region, and presence of diabetes-related complications. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the accuracy of the results. Notably, the researchers highlighted the inherent limitations of hospital-based studies, which could overestimate prevalence rates due to selection bias.

Diagnostic criteria for micronutrient deficiencies varied among studies, but consistency in measurement units was maintained during data synthesis.

Study Results

The systematic review analysed 132 studies encompassing data from 52,501 participants. The pooled prevalence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies among T2DM patients was 45.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.35% to 50.30%). Deficiencies were more prevalent in women (48.62%, 95% CI: 42.55% to 54.70%) compared to men (42.53%, 95% CI: 36.34% to 48.72%). Vitamin D deficiency emerged as the most common, affecting 60.45% (95% CI: 55% to 65%) of patients. Magnesium deficiency was the second most prevalent at 41.95% (95% CI: 27% to 56%). Among metformin users, vitamin B12 deficiency was notably higher (28.72%, 95% CI: 21.08% to 36.37%) compared to the general T2DM population.

Geographically, the prevalence of MNDs varied across World Health Organization (WHO) regions. The Americas reported the highest prevalence (54.04%, 95% CI: 35.03% to 72.48%), followed by Southeast Asia (49.73%, 95% CI: 38.88% to 60.60%). Hospital-based studies consistently reported higher prevalence rates (46%, 95% CI: 41% to 51%) compared to community-based studies (22%, 95% CI: 6% to 46%), underscoring potential selection bias. The absence of large, population-based studies makes it difficult to compare prevalence rates between T2DM patients and the general population. Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed that T2DM patients with complications had a higher prevalence of MNDs (40%, 95% CI: 29.38% to 50.28%).

Geographic Insights: Regional disparities in micronutrient deficiencies reflect variations in diet, lifestyle, and healthcare access, with the highest prevalence reported in the Americas and Southeast Asia.

Meta-regression analyses identified a slight upward trend in MND prevalence over time, particularly for vitamin D and B12, although these trends were not statistically significant. Funnel plots and Egger’s test confirmed the presence of publication bias, but sensitivity analyses validated the overall accuracy of the pooled estimates. Despite considerable heterogeneity among studies (I-squared = 99%), consistent patterns across subgroups underscored the widespread nature of this issue. Variability was attributed to differences in diagnostic criteria, population characteristics, and dietary patterns across regions.

Conclusions

The findings underscore a high burden of MNDs among T2DM patients, with nearly half experiencing deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin D and magnesium. Women and those with diabetic complications are particularly vulnerable. These deficiencies not only exacerbate disease progression but also contribute to long-term complications, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

Geographic variations highlight the influence of regional dietary habits and healthcare disparities, suggesting the need for culturally tailored nutritional policies. In addition, future research must focus on well-designed, population-based studies to provide generalizable data and clarify causality between micronutrient deficiencies and T2DM progression. Given the predominance of hospital-based studies, future research should include community-based cohorts to enhance generalizability. Policymakers, clinicians, and researchers must prioritize addressing MNDs as part of comprehensive diabetes care to mitigate the growing burden of T2DM.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250128/Why-Type-2-diabetes-patients-need-more-than-just-blood-sugar-monitoring.aspx

What is type 2 diabetes remission?

From diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes

Type 2 diabetes remission is when your long-term blood sugars fall below the diabetes level and stay there for at least three months, without the need for glucose-lowering medication. 

In medical terms, this means having a HbA1c below 48mmol/mol or 6.5%. This definition has been agreed by a team of international experts from here at Diabetes UK, the American Diabetes Association, and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.

By bringing your blood sugars into a non-diabetes range long-term, you reduce the risk of diabetes causing damage to you. This doesn't mean your diabetes has gone away forever as your blood sugar levels can rise again. And you still need to make sure you attend regular check-ups and get the support you need to treat or manage any existing diabetes-related complications. But it does mean that you are more likely to feel better and see improvements in your health long-term. 

My health declining is what scared me when I was diagnosed with type 2 and it made me try and see what could be done. I’ve changed that now, I am in remission and I am very happy. – Read more of David's remission story

Benefits of type 2 diabetes remission

Being in remission and having blood sugar levels below the diabetes range long-term can reduce your chances of developing diabetes-related complications, like heart attacks, strokes and diabetes-related sight loss.

For some people, putting their type 2 diabetes into remission can help lower their blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight. All of which can have a huge impact on your everyday health and wellbeing, and your long-term health. 

The everyday benefits can include: 

• taking fewer medications 
• having more energy and sleeping better. 
• feeling like you have more control over your body. 

The long-term benefits can include: 

• less risk of heart attack and stroke 
• less risk of avoidable sight loss  
• less risk of amputations   

How these long-term benefits work

When your blood sugar levels and blood pressure are lower, this reduces the damage they can do to your blood vessels.

Damaged blood vessels in the heart can cause heart attack and strokes. Damaged blood vessels in the eyes can cause diabetes-related sight loss. And damaged blood vessels in your hands and feet can affect the blood flow to these limbs. This can cause problems that can lead to amputations. 

Having lower blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help reduce your risk of getting these complications. In fact, any improvements in these levels can reduce your risk, whether you go into remission or not. 

"For me it has not been about just escaping type 2 diabetes; remission comes with so many other benefits, like coming off your diabetes medication and not feeling joint and back pain. Just having a healthier outlook on life and your wellbeing." – Read more about Peter's story.

How type 2 diabetes remission works

We know that remission is a possibility for many people living with type 2 diabetes. And the strongest evidence we have suggests that type 2 diabetes is mainly put into remission by weight loss. 

We don't know enough to say if weight loss will lead to remission for everyone though. There are people who haven't been able to get their blood sugar levels below the diabetes range without the need for medication, no matter how hard they've tried. The causes of type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex. But we do know that in many cases it's caused by a build-up of fat inside the liver and pancreas.

Why are my liver and pancreas important?

Your liver and pancreas are vital organs that control your blood sugar levels. The pancreas is responsible for making insulin, a hormone which lowers your blood sugar levels. The liver keeps your blood sugars steady by storing and releasing sugar, also known as glucose, when needed.

But a build-up of fat in the liver and pancreas can stop them from working properly to keep your blood sugar levels in a safe, non-diabetes range. Losing weight can help reduce the amount of fat stored in these organs and kickstart them into managing your blood sugar levels again. For some people this means they can stop taking medications that lower their blood sugar levels and go into remission from type 2 diabetes.

How do I know if I have a build up of fat?

There’s no easy way of knowing how much fat is stored in your liver and pancreas. You can’t tell by looking at someone’s weight or body size. That’s because regardless of our weight or size, we all have different levels of fat that we can safely store before the fat affects how the liver and pancreas work. The only way to reduce the excess fat is to lose weight.

For more information on what the research says about how type 2 remission works, take a look at our remission research page. 

Is remission the same as 'reversing' my diabetes?

We know many people say 'reversing' their type 2 diabetes instead of remission but we, and the NHS, say remission of type 2 diabetes.

But when you’re in remission your diabetes has not gone away completely so you still need your checks. There are two main reasons for this:

1. Being in type 2 remission stops the diabetes from doing any new damage to you and your body. But you may have damage caused by high sugar levels from before you went into remission. Diabetes eye screening and checks for kidney disease are ways to check for signs of diabetes-related problems.
2. Staying in remission can be hard. Some people stay in remission for years but others find that their blood sugars rise again after a time, and they come out of remission. Your doctor or diabetes nurse will monitor your blood sugar levels to help you take action if your blood sugar levels do rise again.

"When I went into remission, I was so happy. They tell you you’re never ‘cured’. You’re in remission, because your diabetes can come back at any time." – Read more about Fatima's story

The chances of going into type 2 diabetes remission

We are still learning how to support everyone with type 2 diabetes to go into remission. Many people who have tried for remission have gone into it. Some people who have tried haven't gone into remission. But we know that:

• The chances of remission are better the sooner you try after your type 2 diagnosis.
• If you are living with obesity or overweight, your type 2 diabetes is more likely to go into remission if you lose around 15kg (or 2 stone 5lbs) of weight as quickly and safely as possible following diagnosis.
• You can go in and out of remission. Some people stay in remission for years. Others find that their blood sugar levels rise again after a time if they regain weight, and they come out of remission.
• Staying in remission can be tough. You need to be supported to keep your weight at the level that is right for you, which prevents fat building up again in your liver and pancreas.
• Any time spent with your blood sugar levels below the diabetes range can have benefits. And, if you do come out of remission, it is possible to get your blood sugar levels back down to a non-diabetes range..
• Whether you go into remission or not, working towards it and losing weight brings about many other health benefits.

 

"Losing all that weight and being in remission felt great, both physically and mentally. I can only describe my initial feelings as a positive regret that I didn’t address my weight years ago." – Peter

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes/remission/what-is-type-2-diabetes-remission 

These 4 factors can predict if you’ll get diabetes within 10 years — most have nothing to do with weight

From nypost.com

Turns out, you can’t outrun diabetes with a low BMI. 

In a sweeping study of nearly 45,000 participants, researchers set out to determine what drives the progression from prediabetes to diabetes — and weight is only one facet.

They found that factors like age, sex and fasting plasma glucose levels, or the amount of sugar in your blood, all play a significant role as well.

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More than 38 million Americans have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.        habrovich – stock.adobe.com

“The study highlights that the prevalence of diabetes is increasing in the world and that we need to highlight the importance of prevention, regardless of medical history, because we see that the risk is increased across all types of patients, including lower BMI patients,” Dr. Danielle Brooks, an endocrinologist at North Shore University Hospital who was not involved with the study, told The Post.

In the study, published Thursday in the journal JAMA Network Open, the average age of participants was 43.7 years, with an average BMI of 28.9, which is considered overweight. 

Their fasting plasma glucose levels ranged from normal (70-100 mg/dL) to impaired (100-125 mg/dL), placing the latter group in the prediabetes zone, where blood sugar is elevated but not yet in the diabetic range.

Over a median follow-up of 6.8 years, 8.6% of participants developed diabetes — and the researchers estimated that number would be 12.8% chance within 10 years.

A particularly eye-popping finding was that any FPG level outside of the narrow range of 80 to 94 mg/dL — even if still considered normal — was linked to a heightened risk of developing diabetes. 

Abnormal BMI categories, including those considered underweight, were also associated with increased risk.

“The authors postulate that there was an increased risk for this section of individuals based on potentially having a malnourished state as an individual increased risk factor for insulin resistance and development of diabetes, which is not something that we typically think about,” Brooks added. 

Researchers also found that men were more likely to develop diabetes than women, while older age was similarly linked to a higher risk.

Notably, the study revealed a significant additive relationship between key variables, especially between FPG levels and BMI.

For example, a woman aged 55 to 59 years with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 and an FPG level of 95 to 99 mg/dL had a 7% chance of developing diabetes within 10 years. 

But if her BMI increased to 30 to 34.9, her risk almost doubled to 13%. If her FPG level also rose to 205 to 209 mg/dL, her risk shot up to 28%.

One limitation of the study was that more than 87% of participants were Caucasian, leaving questions about how race and ethnicity might interact with other factors to either increase or decrease the risk of developing diabetes.

“We do know that there are increased risks of diabetes development in patients with particular ethnicities,” said Brooks. “I think further research is definitely needed in that area to further individualize patient care and patient prevention for diabetes development.

What you can do now

As the US grapples with an obesity epidemic, the number of people with diabetes continues to rise. According to the CDC, nearly 98 million Americans have prediabetes, and over 38 million have Type 2 diabetes.

Brooks says the study underscores the need for doctors to be hyperaware of increased diabetes risk in every patient — not just those who are overweight or have a history of the disease. 

“We need to be hyper aware of this trend in our health,” she said. 

Researchers believe the findings could help guide both doctors and patients in implementing lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions for those at the highest risk, ultimately aiming to reduce future morbidity and mortality from the disease. 

In 2022, 101,209 Americans died from diabetes, which was the eighth leading cause of death.

Currently, metformin is the primary option for delaying or preventing Type 2 diabetes with medication. But new research shows that next-generation weight-loss drugs, like tirzepatide, could also reduce the risk of developing the disease in overweight or obese individuals.

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Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can lower your risk of developing diabetes.                                                  peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com

If you’re not ready to reach for the medicine cabinet just yet, there are still plenty of everyday steps you can take to lower your diabetes risk.

“Leading a healthy lifestyle in terms of achieving the general recommended amount of exercise per week is one of the foundations of diabetes prevention,” said Brooks, who recommended aiming for 150 minutes of exercise per week.

Managing your food choices is just as crucial, especially at a time when 60% of the average U.S. diet consists of ultra-processed foods, like sugary cereals, frozen pizzas and potato chips.

Brooks advises focusing on a low-carb, high-protein diet to maintain a healthy weight over time and help prevent diabetes.

https://nypost.com/2025/01/23/health/weight-isnt-the-only-factor-driving-diabetes-risk-3-other-drivers/

"I Have Diabetes and I Tried Eating Only Plants for Two Weeks—Here’s What Happened"

From eatingwell.com

By Mila Clarke

As a person living with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (aka LADA), I know how much of an impact diet can have on my blood sugar management. So, when I decided to try a plant-based diet for two weeks, I was intrigued. I was also sceptical and a bit nervous.

Would eliminating animal products—including the high-protein, low-carb staples I relied on—help or hinder my blood sugar? Here’s what I learned during my plant-based journey, including the surprising benefits, the unexpected challenges and how I made it work for my blood sugar goals.

The Learning Curve

Understanding Carbs and Blood Sugar

One of my first realizations was how carbohydrate-heavy a plant-based diet can be. Legumes, whole grains and non-starchy vegetables are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fibre. According to the American Diabetes Association, foods high in fibre—like whole grains and vegetables—help regulate blood sugar by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates. At the same time, these foods also contain carbohydrates that can affect blood sugar levels. 

After some trial and error, I learned to pair higher-carb foods with fibre, fat and protein to slow digestion and stabilize blood sugar. For example, if I was making whole-grain pasta and red sauce for dinner, I’d add a side of steamed broccolini with garlic and red bell peppers for balance.

Finding Protein Sources

Getting enough protein was another challenge. Balancing protein intake was essential to staying full and keeping my energy up. So, I relied heavily on tofu and legumes. But I also experimented with plant-based protein powders. As a bonus, the variety introduced me to new recipes and flavours I hadn’t explored before. For example, oyster-mushroom tacos with pickled onions and habanero peppers became a new family favourite.

                                                                          Photo: Getty Images. EatingWell design.

The Benefits

Balanced Blood Sugar

One of the most rewarding outcomes of going plant-based was noticing better blood sugar stability. By focusing on high-fibre, whole foods, I was able to prevent significant blood sugar spikes after meals, even when my meals were higher in carbohydrates. Makes sense, especially since research has shown that plant-based diets can improve overall glycaemic control. For some people, a healthy plant-based diet may even reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the first place.

Improved Energy 

By the end of the two weeks, I noticed a significant boost in my energy. I experienced more restful sleep, and I felt more refreshed. It wasn’t just physical energy, either. I felt sharper mentally, likely due to the variety of whole foods and nutrients in my diet, plus fewer sharp peaks and drops in my blood sugar levels.

In addition, I wasn’t snacking as much before bed. But it’s not just me. One small study found that when people ate a minimally processed, low-fat, plant-based diet, they consumed fewer calories than people on a low-carb animal-based plan.

Better Digestive Health

Another pleasant surprise was the impact on my digestion. A high-fibre diet, a hallmark of plant-based eating, kept things moving smoothly and reduced bloating. Research has found that when people with diabetes consume a high-fibre diet, their numbers of certain good gut bacteria grow, while quantities of harmful gut bugs decline. In addition to promoting better gut health, this shift may also indirectly benefit blood sugar regulation.

The Challenges

Navigating Social Situations

Socialising while sticking to a plant-based diet proved to be tricky. Many restaurants didn’t have diabetes-friendly, plant-based options, and explaining my dietary needs felt like a chore. Preparing snacks ahead of time and doing some research on restaurant menus helped me stay on track. My friends were also kind enough to accommodate if I asked.

Time-Consuming Meal Prep

Plant-based eating required more planning and preparation than I was used to. Cooking legumes, experimenting with new recipes and ensuring balanced meals took additional effort. To save time, I started batch-cooking staples like roasted vegetables, quinoa and chickpeas. I also reached for canned beans and some pantry staples, which made assembling meals faster.

Should You Try Plant-Based Eating If You Have Diabetes?

Switching to a plant-based diet as a person with diabetes was an eye-opening experience. 

While it came with challenges like carb-heavy meals and extra prep time, the benefits—including more energy, better digestion, more variety in my diet and overall lower blood sugar—made it worthwhile.

If you’re considering going plant-based, start slowly and focus on balanced meals that pair carbohydrates with fiber, protein and healthy fats. And remember, it’s always a good idea to consult a registered dietitian or your health care provider before making significant changes to your diet.

Would I go completely plant-based? Probably not full-time, but I’ll definitely be incorporating more plant-based meals into my routine. The experiment proved that even small shifts in your diet can make a big difference in how you feel!

https://www.eatingwell.com/i-have-diabetes-and-ate-only-plants-for-two-weeks-8765080 

This disease is known as the ‘silent killer.’ A doctor explains why

From edition.cnn.com 

It’s a new year and time for many people to make their health-related resolutions. According to my go-to doctor expert, one of your resolutions should be to find out if you have any chronic medical conditions and address them before symptoms begin.

This approach, of course, is the case for diagnosing cancer, and early detection can help save lives. But people often let other conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes go for a long time without adequate treatment.

More than 77% of the 119.9 million Americans with hypertension do not have their blood pressure under control, according to the US government’s Million Hearts initiative.

More than 50% of people 30 and older living with diabetes did not take medications for their diabetes in 2022, according to the World Health Organization. Many may not even be aware that they have diabetes; in the United States, the American Diabetes Association estimated in 2021 that of the 38.4 million people who have diabetes, 8.7 million were undiagnosed.

How common are chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes? How do doctors diagnose them? Why is it important to identify these conditions and to begin treatment, even if you don’t have any symptoms? What types of treatments, including medications and lifestyle changes, should people consider? And for those who don’t have these conditions, what actions can help prevent them?

To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner.

CNN: How common are hypertension and diabetes?

Dr. Leana Wen: These chronic conditions are very common. In the United States, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which is generally defined as blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHg. More than 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and the proportion increases with age; among those 65 and older, about 29% have diabetes.

CNN: Why is it important to diagnose these conditions and to start treatment, even if people have no symptoms?

Wen: Both diabetes and hypertension are major contributing factors to heart disease and stroke, which both fall into the category of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer among Americans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a leading cause of deaths worldwide.

Hypertension is frequently referred to as the “silent killer” because it can cause significant lasting damage before people experience symptoms. High blood pressure affects multiple organs. Not only can hypertension add stress to the heart and damage arteries, leading to heart disease, but it also can cause strokes and kidney disease as well as increase the risk of developing dementia. High blood pressure is estimated to cause 7.5 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization.

Diabetes exerts a similar kind of long-term toll on the body. According to the CDC, diabetes is the No. 1 cause of kidney failure and adult-onset blindness and one of the top causes of death among Americans. People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease compared with those who do not have the condition.

CNN: How are these conditions diagnosed?

Wen: Doctors diagnose hypertension through readings taken from a blood pressure cuff. If the initial blood pressure measurement is high, health care providers will take another measurement later during that clinic visit or will ask the patient to come in a separate time to confirm that the blood pressure remains elevated.

Make sure your blood pressure is measured correctly by keeping your feet flat on the floor with legs uncrossed, having your back supported, wearing the appropriate cuff size and having the appropriate arm position. (The cuff is at heart level, and the arm is supported on a desk or table.)

For diabetes, there are two common types of tests. One measures blood sugar at the moment, while the A1C test looks at average blood sugar over the past few months.

It’s important that everyone schedules annual visits with a primary care provider. Providers will check your blood pressure during your visit. If it’s elevated, they may recommend that you self-monitor or that you return for a repeat check. Blood sugar testing may be recommended, too, depending on your age and risk factors.

If you don’t have a primary care provider, you should be able to get these tests done at a community health or pharmacy clinic. Those able to identify a primary care provider should do so to ensure that they have continued care with a trusted provider.

CNN: What are types of treatments that people should consider?

Wen: Hypertension and diabetes are both chronic conditions that are well-researched and for which there are many effective therapies.

For hypertension, there are several classes of medications that use different mechanisms to lower blood pressure. For example, some medications reduce the heart’s workload, while others help rid the body of excess sodium and water, and still others relax and open blood vessels. Some people respond best to one type of medication. Others may require more than one to best control their blood pressure.

For diabetes, the treatment depends on the type of diabetes, and there are two main types.

People with type 1 diabetes lack insulin, which is a hormone that helps the body manage glucose levels, also known as blood sugar levels. These people must take insulin every day.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes, the most common form in which there’s a problem with the way the body uses insulin, can usually start with oral medications. These medications may work by lowering glucose production, improving the body’s response to insulin, and/or helping the body secrete more insulin. Some people with type 2 diabetes also need insulin therapy if their blood sugar goals are not met with oral treatments.

For people diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, lifestyle changes are also important, as is addressing related conditions. For instance, obesity is a major risk factor for developing both hypertension and diabetes. Lifestyle changes that address obesity also will help with lowering blood pressure and reducing the toll of diabetes.

CNN: What can be done to prevent these chronic diseases?

Wen: The same lifestyle changes that people with the diseases should implement are also the best preventive measures for people who want to forestall these diseases.

First, maintain a healthy weight. People who have difficulty doing so through diet and exercise alone may want to inquire with their health care providers about medications that can treat obesity.

Second, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. Those who cannot yet reach 150 minutes should work to increase duration and intensity, while keeping in mind that some is better than none. Studies have shown that even half of the recommended amount can lower the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Third, reduce your consumption of unhealthy foods like saturated fats, ultraprocessed foods and sugary drinks. It may be difficult to cut out these foods altogether, but try to aim for whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes when possible.

Many people can prevent hypertension, diabetes and other chronic ailments by taking these measures. Many others, though, develop the ailments despite working on these lifestyle methods. They should continue these healthy behaviours while also taking treatments as recommended by a health care provider. Doing so can prevent the long-term harm that could come from these conditions.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/17/health/chronic-disease-hypertension-diabetes-wellness/index.html