New research raises questions about traditional knowledge of weight management in older people with type 2 diabetes, claiming that gaining weight could reduce the chance of mortality from cardiovascular disease. This discovery, based on data from the UK Biobank, represents an important revolution in our knowledge of weight management strategies for older people living with diabetes.
The study, led by Dr. Shaoyong Xu of Xiangyang Central Hospital in China, emphasizes the necessity of specific weight management strategies, particularly for people over the age of 65. While younger adults with type 2 diabetes are generally encouraged to maintain an acceptable body mass index (BMI), the findings suggest that older patients may be treated differently.
Importantly, we demonstrate that optimal BMI for people with type 2 diabetes varies by age, independent of traditional cardio-metabolic risk factorsDr Shaoyong Xu, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
According to the study, people aged 65 and younger with type 2 diabetes should keep their BMI within the normal range of 23–25 to reduce their risk of cardiovascular death. However, for individuals over 65, being moderately overweight (BMI 26–28) was associated with the lowest risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Xu emphasizes the age-dependent nature of optimal BMI for individuals with type 2 diabetes, highlighting the need to tailor weight management strategies based on age and individual health circumstances. This finding challenges the conventional one-size-fits-all approach to weight management and underscores the importance of nuanced interventions.
The study, which analyzed data from over 22,000 UK Biobank participants with type 2 diabetes, further reinforces the significance of continued research in refining our understanding of weight-related health outcomes. While maintaining a healthy weight remains paramount for reducing cardiovascular risk, the research sheds light on the potential benefits of moderate overweight status for older diabetes patients. The study, which analyzed data from more than 22,000 UK Biobank participants with type 2 diabetes, emphasizes the importance of ongoing research in improving our understanding of weight-related health outcomes. While maintaining a healthy weight is still essential for lowering cardiovascular risk, the study provides some insight into the potential benefits of being moderately overweight for older diabetes patients.
The findings suggest that for older individuals who are moderately overweight but not obese, maintaining rather than losing weight may be a more practical way of reducing their risk of dying from cardiovascular diseaseDr Shaoyong Xu, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
It is crucial to note that while the findings suggest a potential link between weight gain and reduced mortality risk in elderly diabetes patients, maintaining a healthy weight should still be prioritized. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are inherently predisposed to cardiovascular complications, making weight management a critical aspect of their overall health.
As the research progresses, future studies may delve further into central obesity parameters, such as waist circumference, to improve risk assessment and management options. By combining such sophisticated techniques, healthcare practitioners can better assist people with type 2 diabetes in improving their health outcomes.
In the end, the study calls into question long-held beliefs about weight control in senior people with type 2 diabetes, implying that moderate overweight may be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular death. These findings emphasize the relevance of specific weight management measures as well as the necessity for ongoing studies to improve our understanding of weight-related health outcomes in diabetes patients.
(Input from various resources)
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)