57 million Americans live with “pre-diabetes” and 23 million have type 2 diabetes. Two indicators of the disease are high fasting glucose and insulin levels.

Weight loss programs can help because there is a strong correlation between diabetes-2 and obesity. A new study shows that following Weight Watchers for only 6 months  helped overweight adults lose weight and reduce both fasting glucose and insulin levels.

The study worked with 61 overweight people who were taught the benefits of a low-calorie diet, exercise and weekly support meetings.  Those who attended 20 or more sessions out of a possible 24, lost on average, 14 pounds and significantly lowered glucose and insulin levels.

The total cost of treating diabetes in the USA alone is over $200 billions. But the most effective form of medical intervention is change your lifestyle.  According to the Diabetes Prevention Program Trial (DPP), changing your lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by over 50%.

For many people, the only way to get into gear with a healthier lifestyle is to join an organization that supports them in the quest for greater wellness.

According to the American Diabetes Association, “structured programs emphasizing lifestyle changes including moderate weight loss (7% body weight) and regular physical activity (150 min/week), with dietary strategies including reduced calories and reduced intake of dietary fat, can reduce the risk for developing diabetes.”