Adding Weight Management Counseling To Group Visits Improves Diabetes Outcomes

Adding weight management counseling to group medical visits improves diabetes outcomes. When compared to individuals attending group visits focusing on diabetes management using traditional methods, those who received counseling and adhered to a low-carbohydrate diet had 0.5% (in terms of HbA1c –lowering potency) lower diabetes medication use. This group also had 3.7 kilograms greater weight loss, and about 50% fewer hypoglycemic events over 48 weeks of counseling. HbA1c levels were equal for both groups.

Led by a dietitian, weight management counseling included information about low-carbohydrate diet, physical activity, and overall weight management. Carbohydrate intake was initially . . .