Adding some weight may lower death risk for diabetes patients: Study

For individuals navigating the complexities of type 2 diabetes, maintaining a healthy body weight has long been a cornerstone of management. Yet, recent research sheds new light on weight management strategies, particularly for those aged over 65.

A study based on health data from the UK Biobank suggests that while keeping an ideal body mass index (BMI) is crucial for younger adults with type 2 diabetes, older individuals may have different considerations. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the study reveals that those over 65 may benefit from being "moderately overweight" to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.

The findings, spearheaded by Dr. Shaoyong Xu from Xiangyang Central Hospital in China, challenge the one-size-fits-all approach to weight management in type 2 diabetes. For adults aged 65 and younger, maintaining a BMI within the normal range (23-25) was associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular mortality. However, for those over 65, a BMI of 26-28, indicating moderate overweight, was linked to the lowest risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

“Importantly, we demonstrate that



optimal BMI for people with type 2 diabetes varies by age, independent of traditional cardio-metabolic risk factors,” Dr. Xu added. For older individuals, the study suggests that maintaining a moderate overweight status may be more beneficial than striving for weight loss.

This revelation carries significant implications for healthcare practitioners and individuals grappling with type 2 diabetes. It underscores the need for personalised approaches to weight management, tailored to age and individual health circumstances.

However, it's crucial to note that maintaining a healthy weight remains paramount for reducing cardiovascular risk, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes who are inherently predisposed to such complications. The study, which analysed data from over 22,000 UK Biobank participants with type 2 diabetes, underscores the importance of continued research in refining our understanding of weight-related health outcomes.

As the field progresses, future investigations may delve deeper into measures of central obesity, such as waist circumference, to further enhance risk assessment and management strategies.