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Diabetes and Weight Loss
Nearly 9 out of 10 people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight. If you or a loved one is overweight, shedding pounds through diet and regular exercise can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes - and will even help control the blood sugars of those already diagnosed with diabetes. Your body derives energy from a type of sugar called glucose. Insulin, which is produced in the pancreas, is required to help your body use glucose. Type 2 diabetes develops when your body can no longer use insulin effectively, or when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal.
Losing 5 to 7% of your body weight and increasing physical activity, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can cut the risk by more than half of developing type 2 diabetes if you have pre-diabetes. You may even be able to decrease your insulin or oral diabetes medication.
Diabetes and Obesity
Being obese is a leading risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Losing weight can be difficult and frustrating. But it is possible to lose weight and keep it off. For many people, weight loss can be accomplished eating fewer calories and by exercising to help burn fat and calories and keep weight off. For some people, diet and exercise are not enough to lose weight or reach a reasonable weight. If you have problems losing weight with diet and exercise alone, weight loss surgery is also an option for some people, but keep in mind there are more health risks associated with both drug therapy and surgery than with lifestyle changes.
It's important to always begin a weight loss program under the advice of your diabetes health care team, including a dietitian. The medical professionals in your corner can help you find ways to decrease calories but still consume the foods you enjoy. Diabetes patients who work with their health care team to lose weight are more likely to be successful. Remember that losing even a relatively small amount of weight can make a real improvement in reducing your risk for diabetes and other serious conditions.
Diabetes and Portion Distortion
It's possible to limit the number of calories you eat each day without eliminating your favorite foods. You just need to "portion control." If you have diabetes and are overweight, shedding those extra pounds by reducing your calorie intake and eating smaller portions can help lower your blood glucose levels.
During the holiday season, when gatherings and even shopping trips are often centered on food, weight gain can seem unavoidable. But watching portion sizes can help prevent those extra pounds.
What About Surgery for Diabetic Weight Loss?
Sometimes, diabetics who are severely overweight are unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. If you are one of these people, you may benefit from prescribed weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery may be a weight loss option for people with:
- Body Mass Index greater than 40
- Body Mass Index 35-40 who also have other health risks such as type 2 diabetes
One of the benefits of this type of weight loss approach is that people usually experience rapid weight loss right after the surgery. However there are risks associated with surgery that include surgical complications, gall stones, and problems absorbing nutrients. Your health care provider can help you determine if a prescription weight loss surgery is right for you.
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