Treatment of Obesity in Patients With Diabetes

More than 90% of patients with diabetes have overweight or obesity. Whereas weight gain and obesity worsen insulin resistance, weight loss slows the progression of diabetes complications. Given the elevated risk for diabetes complications in patients with obesity, clinicians must understand how to treat obesity in their patients with diabetes, including providing counseling and behavioral management, referral to weight loss programs, and medication management. This article summarizes guidelines for diagnosing and managing obesity in people with diabetes.