Dr Nick Fuller
Leading Obesity Expert at the University of Sydney and founder of Interval Weight Loss.
If you have diabetes or are at risk, losing weight isn’t just about fitting into smaller jeans—it can actually help your body use insulin more effectively. Studies show that even a 5–10% drop in body weight can significantly improve blood sugar levels and lower the risk of complications like heart disease and nerve damage.
Shedding extra kilos can also reduce insulin resistance, meaning your body doesn’t have to work as hard to keep blood sugar in check. But how exactly does weight loss help, and what’s the best approach for diabetes management? Let’s break it down.
Weight and diabetes go hand in hand, especially with type 2 diabetes. Carrying extra kilos makes it harder for your body to use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels and potential complications. The good news? Losing even a small amount of weight—just 5–10% of your body weight—can make a real difference. It improves blood sugar control, reduces insulin resistance, and can even lower the need for medication.
If you lose a significant amount of weight, the benefits can be life-changing. The Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) found that 46% of people with type 2 diabetes for less than six years (who weren’t on insulin) achieved remission after 12 months using a structured weight management program. The likelihood of remission increased with greater weight loss—86% of those who lost at least 15 kg achieved remission, while 57% of those who lost 10–15 kg also went into remission. This means their blood sugar levels stayed within a healthy range without medication. While not everyone with diabetes will achieve remission, weight loss can still improve overall health and lower the risk of complications like heart disease and nerve damage.
Losing weight helps your body handle blood sugar better. Knowing how weight loss affects your body can make managing diabetes easier.
Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, contributes to insulin resistance. Losing weight helps cells respond better to insulin, making it easier for the body to regulate blood sugar.
With improved insulin sensitivity, glucose is more efficiently absorbed into cells instead of staying in the bloodstream, leading to lower blood sugar levels.
High blood pressure is common in people with diabetes. Studies show that losing weight can lower blood pressure, reducing strain on the heart and kidneys.
If your blood pressure is high, this article covers effective ways to bring it down.
Weight loss helps balance cholesterol levels by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL (good cholesterol), lowering the risk of heart disease.
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease. By improving cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, weight loss helps protect heart health.
A healthier weight means better energy levels, improved digestion, and reduced inflammation—all of which contribute to better diabetes management.
Losing weight isn’t just about cutting calories—it’s about making sustainable changes that support overall health. Finding an approach that works for your lifestyle can make weight loss more manageable and effective.
Weight loss happens when you burn more calories than you consume. Aim for a sustainable deficit rather than extreme restrictions.
Exercise helps burn calories, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower blood sugar. A mix of strength training and cardio is ideal.
Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fibre-rich carbohydrates to keep blood sugar stable while promoting weight loss.
Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if portions are too large. Using smaller plates and mindful eating can help control intake.
Sustainable habits matter more than quick fixes. Small, consistent changes lead to long-term success.
Serious about losing weight to manage your blood sugar? The Interval Weight Loss program, ranked as Australia’s best weight loss program according to research, has six easy-to-follow principles that deliver results.
Losing weight isn’t just about looking good—it’s one of the most effective ways to manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes. Even a small amount of weight loss can improve blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and overall health. If you’re struggling with diabetes and weight loss, consult a healthcare professional for a personalised plan.
Dr Nick Fuller is the founder of Interval Weight Loss and is a leading obesity expert at the University of Sydney with a Ph.D. in Obesity Treatment. Dr Fuller is also the author of three best-selling books and his work been published in top ranked journals in the medical field, including JAMA, Lancet and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.