A study published in a recent issue of Diabetes Care found newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics who lose weight soon after their diagnosis gain better control of their blood pressure and blood sugar. This benefit can also last even if they regain weight.
 
The co-author of the study stated, "You can achieve  some long-term benefits in terms of blood pressure and glycemic control that extend even beyond the point at which you regain weight."
 
Weight loss is important to maintain blood-sugar and blood-pressure control, as well as to keep cholesterol levels in check. These parameters, in turn, are critical for avoiding the long-term complications of diabetes, such as kidney disease, blindness, heart disease, amputations and even death.

This article originally appeared in the September 2008 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.