Losing weight when you have diabetes

Family history, being overweight, inactivity, a poor diet. These are the reasons why thousands of Indians have diabetes or are at risk. And while all of these factors are important, and each deserves attention, one rises to the top and i.e. obesity. The single most important thing you can do to improve your diabetes – or prevent yourself from ever getting it – is to lose weight.

The reason weight-related diseases such as diabetes are reaching epidemic proportions is because our lifestyles have changed. We eat more and exercise less. Meals are often purchased at a restaurant and eaten on the run instead of prepared at home. These meals are often oversized, high in fat and calories, and low in vegetables and fruits. We’ve also become less physically active, both at work and in our leisure time.

Also Read: Prediabetes - The wake-up call you shouldn’t ignore

But, don’t forget, it’s often a two-way street! Just as weight gain increases your risk; weight loss decreases your risk. In other words, you’re in the driver’s seat! By adopting a healthier lifestyle, diabetes is a battle you can win! And one of the first and most important steps you must take if you’re overweight is to lose weight.

By losing weight you can –

• Prevent yourself from ever getting diabetes
• Feel a boost in energy
• Reduce your need for diabetes medication and possibly even eliminate medication use
• Prevent complications associated with diabetes, including heart attack, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye damage.

We understand that losing weight can be challenging, but you can succeed! Here are few things to keep in mind before you begin the weight loss or weight management program with diabetes -

• Consult a professional before you go on a diet: Fad diets – those diets in which you eat very little, eat only a few foods, or eat “specialized” foods or formulas – aren’t what you want. These types of diets can, in many cases, cause problems. The best and safest way is to consult a doctor. He or she can give you important tips related to when and how often to eat, why you need to monitor your blood sugar, and expect changes in your blood sugar levels.
• Consider your health and age: If you have health issues, beyond diabetes, such as heart disease, shortness of breath or joint disease, are pregnant, or have any questions about your health, see your doctor before beginning to lose weight or any weight management program. Click here to know about Gestational Diabetes: The Pregnancy Complication
• Check your blood sugar regularly: Why? When you start a diet – even before you begin to lose weight – your glucose values will change. And they may be a bit erratic for a while. This is because when you’re dieting, you’re consuming fewer calories. In other words, you’re not supplying your body with as much energy to make blood sugar as it’s used to receiving – which is a good thing. However, until your body adjusts to these changes in your energy supply, your blood sugar readings may be out of whack. They may drop at first but then level out or increase as your body becomes used to the change in calories.
• Unlock your inner motivation: Start by asking yourself: “Why do I want to lose weight?” There may be several reasons - improved health, more energy, a toned body. Make a list of what’s important to you and write down specific reasons under each item why it matters. For example, your top reason for losing weight is that your doctor says your blood sugar is too high and you feel sluggish like you have no energy. Under that you write, “I am scared of my diabetes causing serious problems and I want more energy so that I can enjoy with my family.” Then find ways to keep those motivators in front of you, especially at moments of decision (“Should I eat one extra piece of that chocolate or not?”). Maybe you use notes posted around your home and office, desktop or phone screen or a photo of yourself as you want or don’t want to look. The more the ideas come from you, the more successful you’re likely to be.

Our team of expert doctors including nutritionists designs a customized treatment plan for you to make simple, beneficial lifestyle changes that will result in a healthy weight to keep your blood sugar under control. At Dr Batra’s, we have treated thousands of patients for diabetes with a success rate of 96.4% (as authenticated by American Quality Assessors). You can consult our experts for a safe, effective, and long-lasting diabetes cure by booking an appointment at https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment

Yes, losing weight especially with diabetes takes effort – or, more correctly, planning – but the rewards are great. With the right attitude, you can have fun and feel great while adding years to your life!