Diabetes for weight loss

Diabetes and weight loss are like two sides of the same coin. In order to control obesity and reduce risks associated with diabetes, patients need to engage in an effective weight loss program to shed those extra pounds. This reduces blood sugar levels and enhances health in the individual.

Benefits Obtained and Why Expert Assistance is Mandatory

A person with diabetes who achieves weight loss can hope to reduce blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, improve levels of cholesterol and reduce stress in the ankles, knees, hips and feet. While weight loss in a diabetic can certainly trigger a plethora of benefits, it can also alter sugar levels dramatically, making it a risky proposition. This is why expert guidance is mandatory for optimal and safe results. If an individual is already taking insulin to control diabetes, this factor assumes even more importance. Having too much or too little sugar in the blood can present a dangerous situation, which can quickly spiral out of control. Hence, tight monitoring over glucose levels during weight loss is essential in diabetics.

How to Cut Calories

A general rule-of-thumb is to cut back around 500 calories each day. The best way to protect diabetics against weight loss triggered spikes in insulin, is by cutting the calories from carbohydrates and fats and substitute them with calories from protein to ensure a healthy balance. In individuals who are not diabetic, the ideal ratio of all three food groups would be 50% originating from carbohydrates, 15% from protein and 30% originating from fat. Carbohydrates tend to have the largest impact when it comes to blood sugar and so diet changes must be done with care. Complex carbohydrates are the best and include foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Since such carbohydrates are absorbed slowly into the blood, they do not cause rapid spikes in sugar levels.

Ketosis

Cutting down too many carbohydrates all at once could be risky from the perspective of diabetes. Once the body finds it does not have sufficient carbohydrates to burn for its fuel requirements, it starts using fat reserves for it. This produces a metabolic change in the body called ketosis. While this will trigger weight loss, the individual also finds reduced appetite and a reduction in intake of food. Over a long duration, ketosis causes significant health issues. The key to a successful diabetes and weight loss diet is through balance and moderation.

Type of Exercise

It is a known fact that exercise can significantly help with diabetes and weight loss, but what is not as well known is that the kind of exercise performed can also impact blood sugar levels in different ways. Moderate aerobic exercises like treadmill workouts or running reduces sugar levels almost instantly, while weight lifting will impact sugar levels several hours after the workout. This could pose a problem should the person be driving a couple of hours after working out. Hence, keeping snacks with complex carbohydrates at hand is a good idea.

Diabetes and weight loss is a challenge, but there are many people who have found success. With proper guidance, the right medication and close monitoring of blood sugar levels, it is possible to stay in shape, control weight and be in good health.