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(ARA) - Did you know that being overweight is a leading risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes?

Approximately 64 percent of American adults are currently overweight or obese. At the same time, the rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of type 2 diabetes has jumped nearly 50 percent in the past 10 years.

For the first time ever, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is focusing on the connection between weight loss and type 2 diabetes through a campaign called “Weight Loss Matters.” This educational effort is aimed at raising awareness about the role that weight loss and weight maintenance play in preventing and managing diabetes. “It’s our hope that we can provide people with knowledge and tools to help them take control of their weight and reduce their risk of developing diabetes,” says Martha Funnell, MS, RN, CDE, immediate-past president, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association.

For an overweight or obese person with type 2 diabetes, weight loss matters because losing a modest amount of weight can improve blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. If a person is at risk for type 2 diabetes but doesn't yet have it, losing as little as 10 to 15 pounds and exercising for just 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week can significantly delay or prevent the onset of diabetes by almost 60 percent.

Weight Loss Matters encourages health care providers and their patients to talk about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. The ADA knows that weight can be a sensitive topic to bring up during a visit with the doctor, so they’ve designed a series of brochures to address the following topics:

* Connection between weight and diabetes

* Body Mass Index (BMI) and identifying your healthy weight

* Weight loss and exercise tips

* Portion control information, including common food myths

The brochures are available in health care providers' offices across the country as a resource to help doctors and patients craft individual weight loss plans that may include changes in diet, nutrition and exercise. If diet and exercise are not enough, medication may be beneficial for some people.

To learn more about Weight Loss Matters, or to get a copy of the brochures, please visit www.diabetes.org/WeightLossMatters, or call(800)DIABETES or (800)342-2383).

Courtesy of ARA Content





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