New Study Finds: Weight Gain Linked to Vascular Disorders

Weight plays a crucial role in the development of type 2 diabetes. However, few studies have been conducted to understand whether and how obesity and weight changes lead to late complications of type 2 diabetes. Microvascular disease affects the small blood vessels and can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys, nerves, and eyes, leading to dialysis, amputation, and blindness. The researchers examined data from study participants who developed type 2 diabetes during the follow-up period. The study data indicates that an increase in the risk of microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes can be seen when the patient had a higher BMI before the diagnosis of diabetes.

The research team investigated whether the BMI before the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and the change in BMI afterward were related to the occurrence of micro-macrovascular complications. For this purpose, over ten years, the research team observed approximately 1,000 study participants with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and no other chronic diseases. The results show that obesity can disrupt the function of small blood vessels, arteries, and capillaries. Each five-point higher BMI at the time of diabetes diagnosis was associated with a 21% higher risk of microvascular complications. The risk increases regardless of the initial value. That is, a patient with a BMI of 35 compared to 30 has a 21% higher risk of developing microvascular complications. Similarly, someone with a BMI of 28 compared to 23.

The research team also examined the effects of weight changes after the diagnosis of diabetes. Doctors routinely recommend that overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes lose at least five percent of their body weight to improve their metabolic condition.

Weight loss can lead to improvements in blood pressure, blood fat levels, and blood glucose levels. The data in the study reinforces the recommendations regarding weight. Specifically, the greater the weight loss after diagnosis, the lower the risk of microvascular complications. However, if the subjects gained weight instead of losing it, the risk also increased. The main recommendation today for weight loss is through holistic treatment including medication, continuous glucose monitoring without pricking, and the guidance of a dietician and fitness trainer. Thus, the weight loss will be monitored and ideally done.

Professor Avraham Karsik is the director of the Obesity Clinic at the DMC Diabetes Care Center.