Weight loss is often recommended as a way to treat type 2 diabetes in people who are overweight. In fact, cardiologist Dr. Mehmet Oz reports that losing just 10 lbs. can make the body's insulin more sensitive and help to metabolize sugar, lowering blood sugar levels. However, diabetics need to track weight loss carefully to make sure they are losing weight safely for their condition. They also need to stay in touch with their physician for any medication changes that might be necessary.
Step 1
Purchase a notebook to keep in your bathroom or someplace just as handy. Set it up with your starting weight and the date.
Step 2
Choose a day of the week on which to weigh yourself. While some people choose to record a weight every day, a weekly weigh-in would be more accurate, to avoid misleading shifts in water weight and other fluctuations not tied to fat. The experts at Mayoclinic.com suggest going over your goals each week at weigh-in time to see where you can make changes, such as lowering your carb counts or adding more exercise or water to your regimen.
Step 3
Step on the scale at the same time on weigh-in days. First thing in the morning, before you've eaten breakfast, is a good time, as your body will be at its lightest. Try to wear the same thing each time you weigh yourself, too, so that you won't have to account for changes in the weight of clothing.
Step 4
Record your weight, as well as the weight loss for the week. Some people also record the total amount lost after each weigh-in. For instance, if you've lost 23 lbs., and this week shows you down another pound, you'd record a total weight loss of 24 lbs. Seeing the total number of pounds lost can be very motivating.
Step 5
Record any issues that you may have encountered during the week, too, such as water retention or medication side effects. This will help you understand your weight loss over time and what affects it.
Tips and Warnings
- Always check with your health care provider before beginning any weight loss plan, especially if you have an underlying health condition such as diabetes. Check in with your doctor periodically throughout your weight loss as your medication may need to be adjusted.
- If you find yourself getting dizzy or suffering from any symptoms of low blood sugar, have something to eat and call your health care provider. Sometimes weight loss can lessen your dependence on medication, and taking too much can cause hypoglycemia.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
