Which lifestyle change is most critical for patients with type 2 diabetes?

The most critical lifestyle change for patients with type 2 diabetes is weight loss. For individuals with this condition, excess body weight, particularly visceral fat, is closely linked to insulin resistance, which significantly affects blood glucose control. Losing weight can improve insulin sensitivity, leading to better glycemic control and reduced need for medications.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can also prevent or delay the progression of type 2 diabetes-related complications. Studies have shown that even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can have significant positive impacts on blood glucose management, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being in people with type 2 diabetes.

While factors such as adequate sleep, nutritional intake including protein, and alcohol consumption can influence overall health, they do not have the same immediate and profound impact on managing type 2 diabetes as weight loss does.