Diabetes is a chronic disease. This means that it is a lifelong disease that can affect almost any person and at almost any age. The main cause of diabetes is insulin imbalance. To simplify, one of the “by products” of the breaking down of food is glucose which enters the bloodstream, Glucose is what gives us energy. The movement of glucose through the body is controlled by the insulin that the pancreas produces. But when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body itself is incapable of reacting to insulin in the correct manner, then it results in diabetes. There are three main types of diabetes – Gestational, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 occurs often in young children. Gestational, as the name suggests is associated with pregnant women. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and one of its main causes is obesity. Weight loss therefore becomes extremely important if an individual wants to prevent the onset or has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Preventing diabetes and weight loss
There is something known as being at high risk for diabetes. Factors such as family history, obesity, lifestyle and improper eating habits can put an individual at a high risk for having diabetes. One of the most important factors to deal with, is weight loss. It is a fact that the obesity rates have tripled over the past 2 decades and one particular study predicts that the number of diabetics in certain countries of Asia and the Middle East are likely to touch around 300 million in the next 15 years or so.
Two independent studies have revealed the importance of weight loss and preventing diabetes. The Harvard School of Public Health conducted a study which proved that being obese was the primary cause for developing Type 2 diabetes. More importantly, in the next 16 years, the research group showed that a 30 minute exercise routine on daily basis and a low fat and high fibre diet had resulted in weight loss and helped in reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Similarly, a Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study Group came to the conclusion that weight loss had helped to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by at least 50%.
Losing weight after diagnosis
Just as weight loss is important in helping with the prevention of Type 2 diabetes, weight loss after being diagnosed with diabetes is also equally important. It is highly recommended to check with your doctor before embarking on a weight loss program. A qualified dietician will also be able to detail the exact amount and proportions of fat, protein and nutrients that a diabetic should take. For losing weight to deal with diabetes one needs to abide a few important principles such as, a strict control over blood sugar, maintaining balance between intake of carbs, proteins and fats and exercising every day.
It is possible to get off insulin injections or other medications with a carefully controlled weight loss program. Depending on what the doctor prescribes, exercises like strength training, cardio, aerobics and swimming are all good for weight loss and diabetes management. Diet also needs to be changed to include more fibre. The added benefit of weight loss is also the fact that it can help reduce the other problems like cholesterol and heart disease too.
Author Bio: Marguerite being a fitness enthusiast loves to blog on fitness and topics related to fitness. You can check out her latest post on How To Lose Belly Fat on her website.
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