Carrying extra weight can both increase the risk of diabetes and make symptoms worse in those already diagnosed with diabetes. Having diabetes means watching all foods and beverages consumed in order to control blood sugar levels, so if looking for a diet program it is important to choose the right one. Weight Watchers is a popular weight loss program that encourages healthy eating and gradual weight loss and might be an option for diabetics. However, given the seriousness of diabetes, check with a health care provider before starting the Weight Watchers program to ensure its safety.
Identification
Weight Watchers is a program that assigns points to foods and exercise. Each member is assigned an allowed number of daily food points based on age, gender and activity level. The goal is to reduce caloric intake in order to lose 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Point values also are assigned to activities, meaning points or calories can be burned off. As weight is lost, the number of allowed points is reduced until the goal weight is achieved, and then a few points are added back so that a healthy weight can be maintained. The Weight Watchers plan can be followed eating foods from a grocery store or restaurant.
Considerations
Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not make insulin or is unable to use insulin properly. All food, whether carbohydrates, proteins or fats, is eventually broken down into glucose to be used for fuel, and the hormone insulin must be present for the cells to utilize the glucose. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, when insulin is not available, glucose levels can get too high in the blood and can cause nerve damage, blindness and heart disease and lead to amputations. A large part of managing diabetes is eating right and exercising to keep blood sugar levels under control. Some patients also might need medication if diet and exercise are not enough.
Benefits
Weight Watchers can benefit those with diabetes because it encourages both safe weight loss and regular exercise. According to the Weight Watchers website, following a well-balanced, structured weight loss and exercise program can improve insulin sensitivity, which in turn can lower blood sugar levels. Since the Weight Watchers plan encourages attendance at meetings, it might better help those with diabetes stick to a plan than they would when trying to diet on their own.
Features
The Weight Watchers plan emphasizes getting most of the allowed daily points from filling, healthy foods, which includes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains. These types of food are digested more slowly and tend to keep blood sugar levels more even, states the American Diabetes Association. Foods to avoid include baked goods, white bread, white rice, potatoes and processed grains. These foods are digested quickly, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels because the body cannot produce or use insulin quickly enough. If diabetics focus on getting most of their points from foods that do not raise blood sugar levels, then the Weight Watchers plan can help to manage this disease.
Prevention
Every case of diabetes is different and each day can be different as well. One day a certain food might not raise blood sugar levels and the next day it might cause levels to spike. This means that it is essential for diabetics to test blood sugar levels often to see how the body is responding to meals. Following the Weight Watchers plan by eating only the number of allowed points and getting regular exercise along with testing blood sugar levels can help to keep diabetes under control.
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