More than 100 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes or are prediabetic, meaning they’re at risk for developing diabetes. Diabetes, a chronic illness that affects how your body processes blood sugar, can seriously impair your health.
Diabetes comes in two main forms: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is often preventable and is often brought on by lifestyle factors, whereas Type 1 diabetes is a predominantly hereditary disease that usually emerges in children.
At the office of Rimma Gelbert, DO, your health is our top priority, and we want you to know that maintaining a healthy weight can help you prevent getting Type 2 diabetes or help you manage it better.
Obesity is often a contributing factor to Type 2 diabetes. This is because when fat builds up in your body, your cells can develop a resistance to insulin.
Not only can losing weight lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, it can even help you manage the condition. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, losing only 5% of your body weight can improve your blood sugar if you have Type 2 diabetes. There are other benefits to losing weight as well, including helping your body use its own insulin more effectively and reducing your need for diabetes medication.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious conditions, such as:
If you treat prediabetes, you still have a chance to reverse it and avoid developing the conditions above.
The best way to lose weight, with or without diabetes, is to follow a healthy diet and exercise program. Health experts suggest cutting back on how much fat you eat and making sure you eat good fats, such as those found in nuts, avocados, and other sources of unsaturated fat.
Here are some helpful tips for losing weight:
Concentrate on transitioning to a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain in the long term instead of focusing on how many pounds you need to lose.
Ask for moral support from your family and friends.
Make changes slowly to avoid getting overwhelmed. Furthermore, eat your meals slowly, because it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to recognize that it’s full.
Counseling can help you pick the right foods, pick the right exercises, and set achievable goals.
If you have Type 2 diabetes or are prediabetic and concerned about your risks, it’s time to adopt a healthier lifestyle. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Rimma Gelbert, DO, today.
