Type 2 diabetes, obesity and inflammation

Healthy habits can help control chronic inflammation. They can also help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight and manage your diabetes. In some cases, medications may also play a role.

Maintain a healthy diet

• Fruits
• Vegetables, such as broccoli, leafy greens, carrots and sweet potatoes
• Beans and legumes
• Whole grains, including whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta
• Lean proteins, such as seafood and lean poultry
• Healthy fats, like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocado

“These foods are full of antioxidants, fiber, and healthy oils that reduce the production of inflammatory molecules in the body,” says Garcia.

• Red or processed meat
• Bakery products
• Bread and pasta made from white flour
• Fried foods
• Sweet foods and drinks

Exercise regularly

“Both aerobic and non-aerobic exercise lower blood levels of inflammatory markers and increase levels of anti-inflammatory markers,” says Dr. Casey.

However, everyone’s exercise needs and tolerance are different. Talk to your healthcare team about which exercise routine might be right for you before starting a new workout program.

Lose weight

Dietary adjustments and exercise can be a good way to start losing weight. Especially for obese people, losing weight can help manage type 2 diabetes and inflammation.

“As adipose tissue shrinks, the body produces fewer inflammatory molecules and releases more beneficial hormones that support healthy metabolism,” says Garcia. “This change not only reduces inflammation, but also allows the muscles and liver to use glucose more efficiently, which keeps blood sugar levels more stable.”

Losing weight is not easy and for some people it may not be appropriate. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about a weight management strategy for your specific situation.

Consider medications

Medications can help you lose weight and control your blood sugar when lifestyle changes aren’t enough.

If you have diabetes, sticking to your treatment plan is essential to ensure you manage your blood sugar levels effectively. The same goes for any other medications you are prescribed for inflammation, obesity, or related conditions, like high blood pressure.

Some medications prescribed to treat diabetes or obesity can have direct effects on inflammation:

• Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, the family of drugs that includes the blockbuster diabetes and obesity treatment semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), may help reduce inflammation.

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• Metformin, the first-line treatment for most people with type 2 diabetes, also has a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Research is still needed to determine its effectiveness in treating chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

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• SGLT2 inhibitors, which help your body eliminate excess sugar, may reduce inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes.

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  They may also reduce the risk of gout.

Talk with your doctor to make sure you understand the benefits and risks of diabetes and weight loss medications. Together, you can decide which treatment is right for you.