For an overweight or obese person with type 2 diabetes, weight loss matters because losing a modest amount of weight can improve blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. If a person is at risk for type 2 diabetes but doesn't yet have it, losing as little as 10 to 15 pounds and exercising for just 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week can significantly delay or prevent the onset of diabetes by almost 60 percent.

Weight Loss Matters encourages health care providers and their patients to talk about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. The ADA knows that weight can be a sensitive topic to bring up during a visit with the doctor, so they’ve designed a series of brochures to address the following topics:

* Connection between weight and diabetes

* Body Mass Index (BMI) and identifying your healthy weight

* Weight loss and exercise tips

* Portion control information, including common food myths

The brochures are available in health care providers' offices across the country as a resource to help doctors and patients craft individual weight loss plans that may include changes in diet, nutrition and exercise. If diet and exercise are not enough, medication may be beneficial for some people.

To learn more about Weight Loss Matters, or to get a copy of the brochures, please visit www.diabetes.org/WeightLossMatters, or call(800)DIABETES or (800)342-2383).