US obesity rate falls for the first time in years, but diabetes hits an all-time high, data says

From scrippsnews.com

The U.S. obesity rate remains historically high compared with other Western nations, Gallup said

The obesity rate in the U.S. dropped to 37% this year, representing a notable decrease after reaching a record high of 39.9% in 2022, according to data from Gallup.

The decline may be in part due to the explosion in the use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound.

The share of adults reporting use of these medications for weight control has more than doubled in the past 18 months — from 5.8% in early 2024 to 12.4% in Gallup’s latest survey.

Women use the treatments at higher rates (15.2%) than men (9.7%), and both groups saw usage more than double over the past year.

The question is, will the downward trend in obesity rates last? The answer will come down to whether people using pharmaceutical intervention also implement the lifestyle changes needed to sustain their weight loss.

Gallup’s data shows that Americans’ diet and exercise habits have actually worsened since 2019.

Data from Gallup also found that diagnoses of diabetes have climbed to an all-time high of 13.8%, underscoring that weight loss alone doesn’t necessarily reduce the number of Americans living with the chronic disease.

The U.S. obesity rate remains historically high compared with other Western nations, Gallup said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

https://www.scrippsnews.com/health/us-obesity-rate-falls-for-the-first-time-in-years-but-diabetes-hits-an-all-time-high-data-says

Chicago: Prevent Blindness Launches New Resources to Educate Public on the Effects Diabetes has on Vision

From prnewswire.com

CHICAGO, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prevent Blindness, the nation's leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, is offering new resources to the public as part of its Diabetes-related Eye Disease Month in November.

According to the study, "Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the US in 2021," approximately one in four Americans ages 40 and older with diabetes have Diabetic Retinopathy. A higher percentage of Black (8.7 percent) and Hispanic (7.1 percent) individuals with diabetes are at risk for vision loss compared to their White (3.6 percent) counterparts. There are significant variations by state and county which reflect related factors such as access to eye care and resources.

Diabetic retinopathy can lead to other serious vision problems including diabetes-related macular edema, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. And, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.

Fortunately, the risk of vision loss and blindness from diabetes-related eye disease can be significantly lessened if it is detected and treated early. That's why Prevent Blindness is offering free educational resources that include webpages, fact sheets and social media graphics in English and Spanish, and a variety of educational videos.

New this year, Prevent Blindness is launching the Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library offering free, 24/7 access to critical diabetes eye health information, accessible via voice commands in both English and Spanish. Patients or care partners are invited to call 1-833-998-5850 for medically vetted information on diabetes-related eye disease, eye exam preparation and scheduling, condition management strategies, and specialized guidance for pregnant patients and the newly diagnosed. Co-created with patients and providers, and supported by funding from Regeneron and Genentech, this resource is designed to provide prevention information accessible to diverse audiences.

For eye care providers, Prevent Blindness will also soon be releasing a modular education program focused on patient-centred, bias-free diabetes and vision care. Working with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology's ophthalmic allied health professionals Continuing Education (CE) program as well as the American Optometric Association's paraoptometric CE program, this new effort works to identify gaps in care and patient experiences. This program is also made possible through funding support from Regeneron and Genentech.

As part of theJuvenile Diabetes and Vision Health resource, new "Diabetes + Your Eyes: Vision Health in Youth" fact sheets (available in English and Spanish) are available including "Diabetes: Be Your Teen's Vision Hero!" and "Diabetes: Your Vision, Your Life." These resources are supported by funding from UnitedHealthcare.

The Prevent Blindness Diabetes-related Eye Disease video series includes a variety of educational videos designed for the public.

• The Patient Perspective: Diabetes-related Eye Disease
• Diabetes and Your Eyes ABCs
• Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes: What you need to know about your eyes
• Introduction to the Diabetes + the Eyes Educational Toolkit

An upcoming new Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health podcast will host a special roundtable discussion about diabetes and eye health. Guests include Rajeev S. Ramchandran, MD, MBA, associate professor of ophthalmology at University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute; Talana Townsend, president of Visually Impaired Advocates - Houston; and Nita Sinha, senior director, Public Health at Prevent Blindness.

Finally, Prevent Blindness recently assembled its new Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee. The all-volunteer committee brings together leaders from eyecare and public health, patient advocates, diabetes-education professionals, and more. Among many of the group's charges are improving diabetes and eye health programs and education, increasing access to quality eye care and treatment, drafting and advancing federal and state policy, and promoting research and surveillance.

"By educating patients on how to prevent vision loss from diabetes and implementing systems and programs that increase access to eye care across the United States, we will empower millions of patients with diabetes to avoid unnecessary vision loss and blindness," said Dr. Ramchandran, member of the Prevent Blindness Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee.

For general diabetes-related eye disease information, please visit http://preventblindness.org/diabetes. For more information on Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library, visit https://preventblindness.org/audio-library

For a free listing of organizations and services that provide financial assistance for vision care in English or Spanish, please visit https://preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/. 

About Prevent Blindness 

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at PreventBlindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-part-of-novembers-diabetes-related-eye-disease-month-prevent-blindness-launches-new-resources-to-educate-public-on-the-effects-diabetes-has-on-vision-302596874.html 

How Artificial Sweeteners Really Affect Metabolism

From healthcentral.com

Zero sugar doesn’t mean zero impact on your body. Artificial sweeteners can affect your gut microbiome, glucose tolerance, and more 

If you’ve ever thought to yourself that diet soda seems almost too good to be true—sadly, you might be right. These bubbly drinks may have zero calories and zero sugar, but a growing body of research is demonstrating that the artificial sweeteners in them do affect the metabolism and your ability to lose or maintain weight.

“It’s fascinating how many people view diet sodas and other zero-calorie sweetened drinks as comparable to water,” says Whitney Stuart, R.D.N., a dietitian in Dallas, TX, and the founder of Witness Nutrition consulting. “Artificial sweeteners can have distinct impacts on our bodies that extend well beyond just the calorie count. Research shows they can influence gut microbiota, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, though these effects can vary from person to person,” she adds.

The effects of artificial sweeteners (sometimes called non-nutritive sweeteners, or NNS) on metabolism are complex and still not fully understood by experts. Different types of sweeteners (such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, or stevia) may have different outcomes, and how often you ingest them also makes a difference. “In the short and immediate term, there doesn’t seem to be an impact on metabolism [from NNS]. But paradoxically, long-term use is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease,” says Sarah Fishman, M.D., Ph.D., a diabetes and weight loss specialist with Premier Endocrinology in New York City.

                                                                                       GettyImages/bymuratdeniz

How Artificial Sweeteners Affect the Metabolism

Experts have several theories as to why NNS have the potential to derail your weight management plans. One of the most well-supported is that artificial sweeteners appear to change the gut microbiome in ways that have downstream effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

Artificial sweeteners may lead to gut microbiota dysbiosis, which occurs when the balance between the good and bad bacteria in your GI tract tips in the wrong direction, favouring the “bad,” according to recent research in the journal Frontiers In Nutrition. When this happens, levels of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (a by-product of gut bacteria’s digestion of fibre) drop, which can affect the body’s ability to metabolize glucose and fat. Researchers believe these changes may be linked to an increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart conditions like high blood pressure.

In one study in the journal Nature, mice given saccharin and sucralose for just two weeks experienced a disruption in their normal gut microbiota and impaired glucose tolerance. And 2023 research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that people who ingested NNS had significantly different gut bacteria and higher levels of inflammatory markers in the duodenum, the first part of their small intestines, than those who didn’t.

Potential to Rouse the Sweet Tooth

Another hypothesis about why artificial sweeteners affect the metabolism focuses on the sweet taste receptors in the mouth and GI tract. Some experts believe that when sweet taste receptors in the mouth are activated, it tells the brain to expect calories; since NNS activate these receptors but don’t deliver calories, it leads us to crave high-calorie foods, which could lead to overeating, Dr. Fishman explains.

There’s also a theory that artificial sweeteners activate sweet taste receptors in the gut, but since there’s no accompanying rise in glucose (as there would be if you ate real sugar), the body releases less GLP-1, a.k.a. glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone released from the intestines when you eat that has an impact on blood sugar levels, appetite, digestion, and weight. This in turn leads to faster gastric emptying and less satiety—also ultimately leading to overeating, per a 2024 review in the journal Nutrients.

“Sweet-tasting drinks, even with no calories, can increase cravings for actual sugar or carbs, potentially leading to overeating and weight gain,” Dr. Fishman adds.

That said, the human research into these outcomes are mixed, and it’s unclear whether artificial sweeteners really affect sweet taste preferences or overall energy intake. It also may be true in some cases, but heavily dependent on other factors, such as which NNS you’re eating, what you’re ingesting it with, whether you have any pre-existing conditions (including obesity) and more. “A popular belief is that artificial sweeteners universally heighten sugar cravings, but research shows that this isn't always the case,” Stuart says. “The effects are deeply influenced by individual habits and circumstances.”

Can Artificial Sweeteners Help You Lose Weight?

“Artificial sweeteners can be a smart and helpful tool in reducing sugar intake, but they aren’t a metabolic ‘free pass,’” Stuart says.

For someone who’s just starting a weight loss journey or trying to get past a plateau, artificial sweeteners could have a place, Dr. Fishman says. “In the short term, replacing added sugar with sweeteners can lead to weight loss,” she says. But because long-term use has been associated with obesity, she says her advice is to try to use less sugar, rather than replace sugar with a faux sweetener. “For example, if you usually use four sugars in your coffee, try slowly going down to three, then two, then one, rather than replacing [the sugar] with artificial sweetener,” she says.

If you do eat or drink artificially sweetened foods and beverages, though, there are steps you can take to minimize their metabolic impact.

For one, be thoughtful about the types of NNS you’re ingesting. In particular, consider trying to limit your intake of aspartame and saccharin; they’re some of the most-researched sweeteners, and best-existing evidence indicates that all three sweeteners can influence gut bacteria and the body’s response to glucose, Stuart says. Sucralose is another NNS to limit, as it’s also been shown to impact gut bacteria, Dr. Fishman adds. Meanwhile, stevia and monkfruit seem to have less of an impact on gut bacteria and glucose tolerance.

Most artificial sweeteners, like sucralose and saccharin, end up in your gut microbiome largely unchanged, where they can directly interact with gut bacteria, notes Dr. Fishman. “In some cases, these sweeteners even act a bit like antibiotics, suppressing certain strains. They can also change the way gut microbes function, including how they produce metabolites that affect our metabolism,” she explains. “Stevia seems different because its sweet compounds are broken down by gut bacteria into steviol, which the body absorbs and clears, so there’s much less direct exposure for the microbiome.” It also doesn’t have strong antimicrobial effects and doesn’t act as a food source for specific bacteria. Stevia isn’t protective, but because it doesn’t linger in the gut the way other sweeteners do, it isn’t as damaging, she adds.

How you’re taking them in matters, too, Stuart says. For instance, pairing artificial sweeteners and carbs together (such as having a diet soda and a side of French fries) may impair insulin sensitivity more than eating the sweeteners alone (sipping a diet cola for a midday caffeine boost), per recent research in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Carbs have many of the same effects as NNS: They alter the gut microbiome in ways that interfere with how the body handles glucose and activate sweet taste receptors in the gut, leading to high post-meal blood sugar levels, Dr. Fishman says. “Overall, while NNS alone are generally considered safe for blood sugar, consuming them alongside carbs can amplify their impact on the gut and metabolism,” she notes.

With Fake Sweeteners, Be Strategic

Although science has recently shown real benefits to going cold turkey with non-nutritive sweeteners in terms of helping to reverse type 2 diabetes, there are ways to be smarter about including them in your diet so that they don’t trip up your health goals.

But if NNS are part of your diet, “taking probiotics regularly… can help protect your microbiome,” Dr. Fishman suggests as a potential gut-health booster in general. Just be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplement.

Stuart adds that eating fibre, protein, or healthy fats alongside an artificially (or actually) sweetened drink or food can boost satiety and reduce the likelihood of overeating later on.

Stuart suggests a balanced approach. “Incorporate plenty of water, minimally processed foods, and ensure meals include protein and fibre. Use artificial sweeteners thoughtfully to enhance your meals on occasion, rather than defaulting to them,” she says.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/type-1-diabetes/how-artificial-sweeteners-affect-metabolism?ap=nl2052&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGdxQeReCCpw4PZrx7VoggvXsrvkFxnfpeARNHiwfxg7Db5fxur4qUkaP_55guIUZ6ehGnmmxjLYm5wqAtmU-_WyMijtjr48nTAoyWUIQJdWnHkhRM

T1D Influencers Pick Their Favourite Protein Bars

From healthcentral.com

Watching your net carbs? Discover which of these snacks passed the bar exam with type 1 diabetes advocates 

If you stroll down the grocery aisle or scroll on social media, it can feel like a new protein bar is born every minute. They are no longer simply fuel for exercise but have become popular for everyday energy—including among T1D warriors looking for balanced snacks that will hit the spot and also thread the needle for steadying blood sugar levels.

How to choose? The American Diabetes Association has some tips on healthy snacking such as opting for whole grains, healthy fats, high fibre, and protein while aiming for lower levels of carbohydrates, added sugars, and sodium.

We also asked influencers living with type 1 diabetes who have been there, ate that to name their favourites—and then ran their picks by a dietitian: Ben Tzeel, R.D., a certified diabetes care and education specialist in Tampa, FL, and the founder of Your Diabetes Insider nutrition consulting, who has been living with T1D for more than 20 years himself.

Take a peek into their shopping carts to see which protein bars might suit your needs—and taste buds.

A Trainer's Treat

Courtesy of Christel Oerum

Christel Oerum, 47, a certified personal trainer in Miami—better known as Diabetes Strong to her more than 30,000 followers—first picked up a Quest bar some 10 years ago while prepping for a fitness competition. “I was looking for a blood-sugar-friendly treat to help support my protein needs,” says Oerum. “I became hooked.” You’ll find the Cookie Dough and Cookies and Cream flavours in her gym bag. Oerum, who doses her insulin based on net carbohydrates (calculated by subtracting fibre and sugar alcohols on the label from total carbs listed), finds the bars to be a relatively low-carb snack due to their 10 grams (g) of fibre. Tzeel calls Quest bars “a great snack option” for T1D warriors.

For This Mom on the Go

Courtesy Brookelyn Filbrun

Brookelyn Filbrun, 30, a mom in the Pacific Northwest and the blogger behind Carb.Filled.Diabetics, calls Pure Protein the best-tasting bar. Plus, “I’m able to eat it without any spikes!” she says. “I dose [insulin] as needed for the bar and have never had any issues with them which is one huge reason why I love having these on hand.” Filbrun is a fan of several of the bars numerous flavours including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Deluxe, and Lemon Cake. Tzeel is also a long-time fan. “This was my favourite protein bar while in graduate school, especially the Cookie Dough flavour,” he says. “They’re affordable, have quality protein sources, and, ideally, low enough sugar alcohol content to not upset one’s stomach.”

Snacking for Steady Energy

Courtesy Justin Eastzer

Justin Eastzer, 34, in Los Angeles, also known as Diabetech Justin, reaches for Kind Protein Max Bar, especially the Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter flavour, when he’s looking to sustain his blood sugar levels. “I like these because they have a fair amount of carbs [23 grams] if I need to bring up my glucose levels, and 20 grams of protein to help sustain my levels and not drop.” Tzeel agrees: “These can be helpful for steadying blood sugars after a low,” he notes, with the caveat that “those who are sensitive to soy protein will need to be careful with this one, as that is the main protein source.”

On Active Days

Courtesy Alex Tolwinksi

To satisfy his sweet tooth, Alex Tolwinksi, 24, in Elkhorn, WI, says the NuGo Slim bar has what he’s looking for in terms of glycaemic index and full flavour. “They are very delicious and bring a little bit of sweetness back into my life,” the TikTok star says. Tolwinksi rotates between Crunchy Peanut Butter and Brownie Crunch before a workout or a waterskiing session and says the snack bar (with 17 grams of carbs) keeps his glucose levels in check without his needing an insulin dose. “It saves me an additional shot and keeps my belly full,” he says. Tzeel feels these bars are good for when blood sugar is a little low thanks to a fast-acting carb source (tapioca syrup) and some protein to help stabilize. “Not my go-to, but for good-tasting low snacks, this would help,” says Tzeel.

Her Workout Buddy

Courtesy of Addy Tayler

Arizona-based TikTok star Addy Tayler, 26, who is training for a marathon to raise funds for T1D research, opts for a protein bar before working out and finds that the G2G bar is just her speed. Tayler gives high marks for the taste of her Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavour pick (“very sweet and doesn’t have that bitter protein taste”) and its texture (“chewy but not rubbery”). Plus, she feels its nutritional mix (18 grams of protein, 24 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of fiber) works for her. This bar drew particularly rave reviews from our R.D. “These are quite possibly the most underrated bar on this list,” says Tzeel. “Phenomenal ingredient profile, great for stabilizing blood sugars in a long duration activity, and quality protein source. I’m a big fan.”

A Nutrition Pro's Plant-Based Option

Courtesy of Lindsay Cohen, R.D.

A registered dietitian and the creator of Mama-Betes blog, Lindsay Cohen, R.D., 37, in St. Louis, MO, favours TRUBAR for their “simple, clean ingredients” and amazing taste—her all-time favourite flavour is the Get in My Belly, PB and Jelly. The food pro and mom of two gives the bar high marks for managing type 1 diabetes due to “relatively low carb content and minimal impact on blood sugar,” she says. “I also appreciate that they contain a good balance of fibre and protein, which helps keep me feeling full longer.” Tzeel says TRUBAR is a great option for the plant-based crowd. “You’ve got quality ingredients and flavour choices alongside some fibre,” he notes. Still, notes Tzeel, some people may find that the fibre source (tapioca) for these bars does have an impact on blood sugar, so best to try part of one and see before devouring the full bar.

Our R.D. Is Also a Fan

Courtesy of Ben Tzeel, R.D.

You may be wondering which bar our expert nutrition reviewer prefers and no surprise it’s another one with simple ingredients: Rise Bar, which is also available in vegan plant-based options. Tzeel points to the Honey Cinnamon flavour as his favourite. “It tastes like a snickerdoodle cookie and is made with just five ingredients,” he says: Almonds, whey protein, vanilla extract, honey, cinnamon. For people with diabetes like himself, Tzeel says they have a good blend of protein (18 grams), fat (15 grams), and carbs (23 grams) to maintain steady blood sugars. His inside tip: “If you warm them up for 10 seconds in the microwave and cut them up, it’s like having small protein cookies.”

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/type-1-diabetes/favorite-protein-bars?ap=nl2052&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGdxQeReLKRAiisSNPPgYd6mi8dTTzOdYcER4FiR23KUBenmXhp9w11oT5udgGtiVrNu0Z46AblIb-w1rsZ6xMG5UPAKydc9MXnGboNmkbxB2o8Uh4

How (and Why) to Exercise With Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

From everydayhealth.com

If you have both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes, you may rely on medications and nutrition to keep each condition under control. While those strategies are key to staying healthy, don’t overlook the importance of exercise as well.

Exercise has powerful effects on the body that can help address kidney disease and type 2 diabetes (also known as diabetic kidney disease) simultaneously, such as lowering blood sugar, strengthening muscles, improving heart health, and more. There are also some safety considerations to keep in mind when exercising with diabetic kidney disease, so be sure to have a conversation with your healthcare provider before getting started.

The Benefits of Exercise for CKD and Diabetes

Kidney disease and diabetes are managed mainly with medications and dietary changes, but exercise can also play a key role. 

“Regular physical activity can improve blood glucose and blood pressure, helping with both diabetes and kidney disease management,” says Barbara Eichorst, RD, CDCES, a Chicago-based certified diabetes care and education specialist and the vice president of healthcare programs at the American Diabetes Association. 

Exercise can also reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys caused by high blood sugar, helping prevent further kidney damage. In fact, people with diabetes who perform moderate-intensity exercise at least twice a week may significantly slow the progression of kidney disease, with the most significant benefits associated with daily exercise.

Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes

The primary benefits of exercise for managing type 2 diabetes are improved blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, along with weight loss. 

Physical activity prompts your muscles to pull glucose from your bloodstream for fuel, not only lowering your blood sugar levels, but also encouraging your body to become more responsive to insulin (the hormone responsible for moving glucose into your cells) for up to 48 hours after exercise. With consistent exercise, your body becomes even more efficient at using blood glucose effectively, helping to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

In addition to a healthy diet, regular physical activity can also support weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. Even modest weight loss of 3 to 7 percent of your body weight can result in improved blood glucose levels and may reduce your need for medications. Meanwhile, more substantial weight loss (more than 10 percent of your body weight) can significantly reduce the average amount of glucose in your blood over two to three months (also known as hemoglobin A1C).

Exercise and Chronic Kidney Disease

A significant benefit of exercise is its ability to lower blood pressure. In fact, regular physical activity can reduce blood pressure by 5 to 7 mmHg, which is helpful for managing kidney disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) is common in people with kidney disease, because kidney damage can cause blood pressure to rise, with elevated blood pressure further damaging the kidneys, creating a vicious cycle. By helping you to keep your blood pressure under control, exercise can also help prevent kidney damage.

Exercise may also improve symptoms of kidney disease, such as muscle loss and fatigue, by stimulating muscle growth and boosting the body’s release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas produced naturally by the body that relaxes the blood vessels, helping them widen and increase blood flow. This response also allows more oxygen to travel to tissues throughout the body, which may improve energy.

Challenges and Barriers to Exercise

Benefits aside, symptoms and complications of diabetic kidney disease can make some activities tricky or even dangerous.

For example, when the kidneys remain inflamed for a long time (a hallmark of kidney disease), this inflammation can negatively impact other systems in the body that help with muscle building and energy support. As a result, a lot of people with kidney disease experience muscle loss and chronic fatigue. Combined, these effects can make everyday tasks feel like a struggle and exercise seem nearly impossible.

People with diabetic kidney disease are also more likely to have osteoarthritis, a joint disease that occurs when the cartilage in joints wears down. While physical activity helps keep joints with osteoarthritis healthy, it can be difficult to exercise during joint pain flares.

The high blood sugar that is characteristic of diabetes can also lead to nerve damage (neuropathy), often in the feet, and damage to the blood vessels in the eyes called retinopathy, which leads to declining eyesight. These complications can lead to foot numbness or pain and make it more challenging to maintain balance, thereby increasing your risk of falls during exercise.

Despite these risks, health experts encourage people with diabetic kidney disease to stay active.

How to Exercise With CKD and Diabetes

Check in with your healthcare team before starting an exercise program, especially if you have severe kidney disease or high cardiovascular risk, advises Joseph Vassalotti, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City and the chief medical officer of the National Kidney Foundation. Your providers can offer individualized recommendations based on your current activity level, disease status, and personal preferences. 

While there aren’t any official exercise guidelines for people with diabetic kidney disease, the standard evidence-based recommendations for adults include at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise a week, along with two to three resistance-training sessions. Aerobic exercise specifically may help decrease body mass index (BMI) and reduce blood pressure in people with diabetic kidney disease.

There are many types of aerobic exercise to choose from, including walking, cycling, jogging, rowing, and swimming. “Make it a fun and enjoyable activity that makes you feel good while improving your overall health,” says Eichorst.

Meanwhile, resistance training is also important for people with diabetic kidney disease, especially for those who are older than 50 and those who are taking GLP-1 weight loss medications like semaglutide (Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), or dulaglutide (Trulicity). This population tends to experience muscle loss from both age-related changes (sarcopenia) and side effects of these weight loss medications, says Dr. Vassalotti. 

You can strength train using your body weight, resistance bands, exercise machines, or free weights. Work with your physician and a strength and conditioning specialist to choose the modality that best suits your needs. 

Some physical activities can be challenging for people with complications such as neuropathy and osteoarthritis. For instance, intense or weight-bearing activities such as standing strength exercises and jogging can cause joint pain and balance issues. “Non-weight-bearing, low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and chair exercises may work for those with neuropathy or osteoarthritis of the knee and hip,” says Vassalotti. Ask your provider which exercises they recommend for you. 

Also keep the following tips in mind when exercising with diabetic kidney disease:

• Start slowly. Ease into a new exercise routine to prevent injuries and overexertion. Start by working at a lower intensity and gradually building to a moderate intensity level, increasing your level of exertion by no more than 10 percent each week.
• Hydrate well. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but it’s especially important when you have diabetic kidney disease. Sweating during exercise increases fluid loss, making it easier to become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after workouts to replenish fluids, particularly if you’re exercising in the heat. (People on dialysis may be advised to limit their fluid intake.)
• Check your blood sugar frequently. Exercise generally lowers blood sugar. Intense workouts such as heavy strength training and competitive sports may cause you to produce stress hormones that raise blood sugar temporarily. By monitoring your blood sugar before, during, and after exercise, you can identify whether specific activities or foods make it difficult to keep your blood sugar in range.

The Takeaway

• Exercise can help manage both CKD and type 2 diabetes simultaneously by improving blood glucose regulation, decreasing blood pressure, and reducing inflammation in the body.
• People with diabetic kidney disease often face additional challenges when it comes to exercise, including muscle loss, chronic fatigue, joint pain from osteoarthritis, and an increased risk of falls due to nerve damage.
• It's important to consult your healthcare team before starting a new exercise program to receive personalized recommendations, especially if you have advanced kidney disease or high cardiovascular risk.
• General exercise recommendations include at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with two to three resistance training sessions. Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling may be better for those with joint pain or nerve damage.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/how-to-exercise-with-kidney-disease-and-type-2-diabetes/