A study by experts in Grampian has found that men with diabetes who exercise are better at losing weight than women.
Researchers from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary said on Thursday that people with Type 2 diabetes, who attended dedicated exercise and information classes, felt in greater control of their condition.
The study also found that the most overweight participants who regularly went to the class were more likely to see the pounds falling off and men were more likely to lose weight than women.
The class consists of 60 minutes of physical exercise and 30 minutes of discussion about how to improve lifestyle.
Following the class 98 percent of attendees reported better well-being, 88 percent felt in better control of their diabetes and 90 percent made positive changes to their lifestyles.
And after 11 months of the class men were significantly more likely to have experienced weight loss compared with women.
Dr Ann Gold, who led the study, said: "The classes are not designed to be 'weight loss' classes but this has been a valuable outcome for many participants.
"Exercise in the absence of weight loss is still highly beneficial to people with diabetes as it improves blood glucose control, lowers blood pressure and cardiovascular risk and improves well-being which is particularly important as diabetes is associated with high levels of anxiety and depression.
"It is not clear why the men seem to lose more weight but it may be that men are more reluctant to sign up for these classes and when they do they mean to get the most out of them."
The course, which is run by Grampian Health Board, is now being rolled out across the area.
Laura Walker, who leads the classes, said: "These classes provide a social environment for people with diabetes to learn how to exercise for health benefits.
"I work closely with dieticians and healthcare professionals to give advice on changing lifestyle habits. The peer support within the group encourages personal achievement by changing one thing at a time.
"During the classes I focus on enjoying exercise and improving well being, both of which naturally bring about weight loss."
There are 210,000 people with diabetes in Scotland, more than double the number just ten years ago.
The condition has been identified as one of the most serious health risks facing Scotland, with a cost to the NHS of £114,000 an hour.
