Weight loss or fat loss, which is better for diabetes?

Weight loss is often touted for its health benefits. However, fat loss is key to improving blood sugar. This is because excess fat is a major cause of insulin resistance, which leads to high blood sugar.

Focusing on fat loss, especially in the abdominal area and liver, will significantly improve the body's ability to process blood sugar. This method helps restore the body's ability to absorb insulin, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Reducing body fat percentage is a good way to improve blood sugar

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In fact, weight loss and fat loss are not the same thing. Studies show that fat loss, not just weight loss, actually helps restore the ability to respond to insulin effectively.

When people cut calories or start exercising, weight often falls off quickly. But this initial weight loss is not just fat, but also water, muscle mass, and glycogen, the stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles.

During the first few weeks of dieting, water loss is a major cause of weight loss. As the body uses glycogen for energy, about 3 grams of water are released for every gram of glycogen. This means that we can lose a few pounds without actually losing fat stores. Research shows that losing muscle while dieting can actually make blood sugar control less effective.

Muscle tissue plays a major role in using glucose for energy. Less muscle means less glucose uptake, leading to higher blood sugar levels over time. So while weight loss may occur, metabolic health may not necessarily improve.

In contrast, lipolysis is a state of reduced fat tissue, especially visceral fat surrounding internal organs. This type of fat is closely related to insulin resistance. As a result, cells no longer respond well to insulin, forcing the pancreas to secrete more insulin to bring glucose into the cells.

A study published in the journal Author Manuscript found that losing 10% of body fat increased insulin sensitivity by nearly 30%, even when weight remained stable. This improvement occurred because the shrinking fat cells released fewer inflammatory molecules and fatty acids, which interfere with insulin action.

Fat loss also benefits mitochondrial function, which helps muscle cells use glucose more efficiently. This is why even moderate fat loss, without dramatic weight loss, can help improve blood sugar and energy balance, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giam-can-va-giam-mo-cai-nao-tot-hon-cho-benh-tieu-duong-185251203193552917.htm