Researcher: Weight loss better than insulin therapy for diabetics

Diet may be better than insulin therapy for some diabeticsPeople with insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes should seek to cut calories and increase their level of physical activity rather than using insulin therapy, a UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher has claimed.

Writing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Roger Unger said that intensive insulin therapy is not indicated for obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

This therapy, which provides high doses of insulin, increases the patient’s body fat, Unger – who has more than 50 years of experience in diabetes research – explained.

He advised patients to seek a more “rational” therapy that includes diet, exercise and lifestyle changes – measures which reduce the blood’s insulin level.

Unger linked the increase in type 2 diabetes currently seen in the U.S. to industrialized food production, as well as a more sedentary lifestyle.

A large body of previous research has questioned the nutritional value of the Western diet, as well as the high levels of fat and calories.

People who are watching their diet and want to make sure they are getting sufficient vitamins and minerals may be interested in nutritional supplements.
ADNFCR-1960-ID-19026276-ADNFCR