I Am a New Diabetic: Should I Lose Weight?

Studies have shown that becoming overweight or obese is a major risk factor in developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, about 30 percent of overweight people have been diagnosed as being diabetic, and 85 percent of diabetics are overweight.

Weight loss should be an important goal for those with type 2 diabetes who are obese or overweight. Losing just five to 10 percent of body weight can help improve insulin levels, lower fasting glucose concentrations and lessen the need for some diabetes medications.

You don’t have to diet yourself skinny, simply participating in regular exercise and being cautious about what you eat can help lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of developing serious complications – even if you don’t shed a lot of pounds. It is important to be particularly careful when eating out. If you know how to make good choices away from home, you will save yourself a great deal of anxiety.

 If you lose weight, you’ll:

• Lower your blood glucose levels, which could allow you to delay, or decrease the amount of medication you take.

• Cut insulin resistance
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of kidney failure, heart attack and other serious complications.

According to David Marrero, PhD, president of health care and education for the American Diabetes Association, even “very modest” amounts of weight loss have a “huge reduction in risk” Losing just 7% of your body weight, cuts your risk of developing diabetes by 60%.

Barton Publishing can help you lose this weight with our Diabetes Solution Kit, including a list of foods to avoid and the right ones to eat, low-carb recipes and support from our agents. Learn more about our Diabetes Solution Kit to help you lose weight!