Weight loss ‘can reduce heart disease risk among diabetics’

A new study from China has demonstrated the heart health benefits of weight loss programmes for people who are at risk of diabetes.

Led by Professor Guangwei Li of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, the 23-year follow up of the Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study showed people with impaired glucose tolerance had significantly reduced death rates from cardiovascular disease and all-causes after adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Previous studies have shown that lifestyle interventions such as exercise programmes or weight loss in people with impaired glucose tolerance can prevent progression to overt type 2 diabetes, but this is the first to show they can also prevent deaths from cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and stroke.

Professor Nick Wareham of Cambridge University described the results as "a real breakthrough, showing that lifestyle intervention can reduce the risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences of diabetes".

This is particularly important in light of recent UK figures showing almost two-thirds of adults and one-third of children under 18 are overweight or obese.