Diabetes is a complex chronic disease. According to the National Health Agency's statistics, nearly 70% of diabetes patients in Taiwan are also overweight or obese, a condition referred to as "diabesity." Obesity not only makes it more difficult to control blood sugar but also increases the risk of cardiovascular, kidney, and nerve complications. Research shows that if patients with diabetes and obesity can lose a significant amount of weight, their blood sugar may return to normal, and diabetes can even be reversed.
Nearly 70% of diabetes patients in Taiwan also have issues with being overweight or obese, a condition known as "diabesity." (Photo/Heho Health)
Dr. Zhang Kai-Jie from Kai Cheng Clinic pointed out that if diabesity patients lose 5-10% of their body weight, their blood sugar can significantly improve, reducing insulin resistance and medication needs. If the weight loss reaches 15%, there is a higher chance of reversing diabetes. Dr. Zhang shared that in one clinical case, a patient followed a low-calorie diet and lost 20 kilograms in three months, with both blood sugar and weight returning to normal. The patient’s diabetes went into remission, and after two years of follow-up, there was no weight regain. This highlights the importance of weight loss for diabesity patients. However, maintaining ideal body weight and preserving pancreatic cell function are key to reversing diabetes.
Bệnh tiểu đường là một căn bệnh mãn tính phức tạp. (Ảnh/Heho Health)
Dr. Zhang also emphasized that modern medication strategies not only control blood sugar and prevent hypoglycemia but also help with weight loss while protecting cardiovascular health and other organs. Diabesity patients should work closely with their doctors to determine the best treatment plan. Weight control and blood sugar management are equally important, and patients should not focus solely on blood sugar numbers while neglecting the necessity of weight loss. Early treatment and the establishment of correct health concepts can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of complications for diabesity patients.
