Managing type 2 diabetes often comes down to more than monitoring blood sugar levels. For many people, weight management is also a key part of reducing health risks and improving overall health.
In Malaysia, rising obesity rates have contributed to a growing diabetes burden. One in two Malaysian adults is now overweight or obese, while more than 3.5 million people are living with diabetes.
Research has shown that losing weight can help the body use insulin more effectively, improve blood sugar control, and support healthier blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, maintaining weight loss can be challenging without the right support and structure.
Data Findings
A recent study by Abbott and Changing Health found that adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes achieved measurable improvements after following a structured 12-week programme involving a low-calorie diet, diabetes-specific nutrition shakes and digital health support.
Published in Clinical Diabetes, the study followed 157 adults who were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants used two to four servings of a diabetes-specific nutrition shake daily as part of a reduced-calorie diet, alongside access to meal plans, coaching and healthcare support through a digital app.
After 12 weeks, participants lost an average of 11kg, or around 11% of their body weight. They also saw a 1% reduction in A1C levels, a measure of long-term blood sugar control, as well as improvements in blood pressure.
Dr Nina Mazera Mohd Said, Nutrition Medical Director at Abbott, said the findings highlight the role of structured lifestyle changes in supporting diabetes management.
“Many people with type 2 diabetes know what they should do to manage their condition, but turning that knowledge into daily habits is often the hardest part,” she said.
Building Routines that Support Better Health
For people managing diabetes, making lasting changes does not always require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small, consistent adjustments can help create routines that are easier to maintain.
One approach is to focus on one habit at a time. This could include maintaining regular meal times, taking a short walk after meals, reducing sugary drinks or monitoring blood glucose levels more consistently.
Food choices also play an important role. Simple swaps, such as replacing high-sugar snacks or fried foods with more balanced options, can support better blood sugar management. Diabetes-specific nutrition products may also be used as part of a structured eating plan, depending on individual needs and medical advice.
Tracking progress can help maintain motivation. Improvements do not come from the number on the scale alone, but also from changes such as better glucose readings, increased activity levels and more consistent daily habits.
The study suggests that combining nutrition, coaching and technology-based support can help people make meaningful improvements in diabetes management. For those living with type 2 diabetes, building sustainable routines remains an important step towards better long-term health.
