If you suffer from Type 2 diabetes, you may be better able to control your glucose levels if you lose weight. For many diabetics, losing 10 percent of their body weight can make a big difference in their overall health and management of their diabetes. Losing weight is never easy. There are things that you can do, starting today, to lose weight as a diabetic.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor. If you have a lot of weight to lose or if you have not been active lately, ask your doctor about putting together a sensible diet plan for you to follow. The best weight loss plans include some type of exercise. Follow the plan that your doctor recommends.
Step 2
Keep track of what you are eating. Consume whole foods and avoid refined sugars and foods that are high in fat. Remember that to keep your blood glucose in check, you will need to monitor not only calories, but how many sugars and carbohydrates you consume on a daily basis.
Step 3
Incorporate weight training into your exercise routine. The American Heart Association recommends that diabetics get between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week of exercise, including resistance training. Ask a trainer at your local gym for advice and help with determining how much weight is effective for you to lift for the maximum benefit.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about weight loss surgery. If you have a BMI over 35 and are diabetic, weight loss surgery may be an option for you. In a study at Virginia Commonwealth University, researchers found that approximately 90 percent of diabetic patients had normal blood sugar levels after having weight loss surgery.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask your family for support when losing weight. Support is essential to long-term success. Set reasonable goals, with the help of your doctor or nutritionist. A reasonable amount of weight to lose is one to two pounds per week.
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