 No, there's no magic number. But I've seen people completely reverse pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes with lifestyle modifications. Weight loss is the primary goal, but it's not the only factor to consider. When it comes to reversing diabetes, you need to set your sights on improving HDL, or "good," cholesterol, triglycerides (fats that circulate in the blood), blood pressure, blood sugar, and abdominal fat (when these parameters are all abnormal, the condition is termed metabolic syndrome). Weight loss will be a step in this process, but inches off your waist –– not pounds off the scale –– count most because belly fat is linked to insulin resistance, a primary cause of diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. The good news is that I've watched my patients lose that central, or "visceral," fat after following the South Beach Diet. For women, waist circumference (at your belly button) should be less than 35 inches; for men, less than 40 inches. Finally, congratulations on your initiative, and best of luck on your journey toward better health! |