Many diabetics are interested in losing weight, since even a few pounds of weight loss can help to modulate blood sugar. Individuals with type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the body cannot properly use insulin to control blood sugar, can use the meal-replacement system Medifast to help them lose weight and control their diabetes. Medifast includes many of the concepts normally present in a diabetic diet, including carbohydrate control and small, frequent meals, so it is well suited to people who are trying to both lose weight and control diabetes.
Medifast
The Medifast weight loss system combines portion-controlled meal replacement products with a low-carb eating plan. This effective diet plan uses a program of five Medifast products and one healthy low-carbohydrate meal daily. The average carbohydrate intake on Medifast is between 80 and 100 g per day and most dieters on the plan lose between 2 to 5 lbs per week. There are more than 70 different meal-replacement products made by Medifast, including oatmeal, soups, shakes and hot drinks.
Diabetes and Diet
People with type 2 diabetes can often control their disease with diet and exercise. Carbohydrate intake is particularly important for diabetics, since carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels. A typical diabetic diet aims to provide many small meals throughout the day with about the same level of carbohydrates at each meal so that blood sugar remains steady. Proper control of blood sugar can help prevent many of the major complications of diabetes.
Diabetic Medifast Options
Because the Medifast program is designed around low-carbohydrate meal options, all Medifast foods can be used as part of a diabetic diet. Medifast also provides some specific meal replacement foods designed to be used by diabetics. These diabetic options include 9 g or fewer carbs per serving. They are also low on the glycemic index, a measurement of food's effect on blood glucose. These low glycemic foods also help to suppress appetite, boosting weight loss.
Considerations
Diabetics should consult a doctor before starting to use Medifast. Some diabetics may need to reduce their use of insulin or diabetes medication when on the Medifast program. If you have diabetes and are using Medifast, you should check your blood sugar levels a few times a day to determine the effect of this program on your diabetes. The Medifast weight loss plan is not generally appropriate for people with type 1 diabetes, but these individuals may be able to use the weight maintenance portion of the diet system.
