Losing weight is one of the best things you can do for your health if you are diabetic. Finding a good weight-loss plan that takes into account your special health needs can be problematic, however. Nutrisystem offers a plan specifically for diabetic dieters, but it's a good idea to learn as much about the program before deciding whether this diet plan works for you.
Nutrisystem
The Nutrisystem weight-loss program provides prepackaged meals designed to help you lose weight. Nutrisystem meals are low in calories, fat and refined carbohydrates and high in fiber, lean protein, vegetables and fruit. You choose the specific menu items you want from options on the website and the food is delivered to your door in packages supplying 28 days of food. The program offers different plans to suit men, women, older dieters, people who want the flexibility to prepare some meals at home and diabetics.
Nutrisystem D
Nutrisystem introduced its Nutrisystem D plan for Type 2 diabetics in 2009. The Nutrisystem D plan provides menus based on the glycemic index, an indicator of blood glucose response used by diabetics to control blood sugar levels. Before the program's introduction, Tufts University researchers carried out a three-month clinical trial comparing Type 2 diabetics on Nutrisystem D to diabetics receiving weekly nutrition counseling sessions. In the clinical trial, Nutrisystem D participants lost more weight and were more successful at lowering cholesterol, blood sugar and levels of the diabetic marker, A1C.
Diabetic Dieting
Because being overweight can contribute to many of the complications associated with diabetes, overweight or obese diabetics are generally advised to diet and exercise to lose weight. Losing weight can help prevent heart disease and might reduce the need for diabetes medication for some diabetics. A healthy weight-loss diet can also moderate blood sugar on a day-to-day basis, helping prevent wild fluctuations that could lead to a diabetic coma. Important aspects of diabetic dieting include eating frequent meals instead of a few large meals, portion control and eating a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat. The Nutrisystem D plan takes all of these aspects into account.
Considerations
The Nutrisystem D program offers a diet plan specific to diabetics, which can provide better results than trying to alter a program that wasn't created with a diabetic's needs in mind. For diabetics who don't want to plan or prepare their own meals, Nutrisystem D could work well. However, diabetics who enjoy cooking for themselves might not find this plan as appealing. Before starting any weight-loss plan, talk to your doctor about your goals and establish a plan to monitor your blood sugar regularly so your doctor can change your medication schedule as necessary.
Member Comments