Lose Weight To Better Manage Your Diabetes

Being overweight or obese is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. A healthy weight is measured by your body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 25 or more is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or more is obese. If your BMI is over 25, you are at higher risk. Consult with your doctor to determine your BMI.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure and type 2 diabetes often go hand-in-hand. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases your chances for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. At least 40% of people with diabetes have high blood pressure, which often leads to stroke. High blood pressure may make stroke more likely in people with diabetes.
Blood Fats
Your body stores fat for future use for energy. Some of these fats, or lipids, are stored in your blood. Some are good for the body, like HDL cholesterol, which helps protect your heart. In general the higher your HDL, and the lower your LDL, the better. Triglycerides are another kind of blood fat that raises your chances for a heart attack or stroke if your levels are too high.
Many people try to lose weight, but fewer people lose weight and keep it off. This happens for several reasons. Sometimes people try to lose too much weight too fast. Or they try to follow a food plan that isnt how they can eat long term. Reality is that losing weight in a healthy way and learning how to keep it off is not easy. It takes a new way of thinking. Are you ready?
Set a goal to get results
If you are overweight or obese, calculate 5% of your body weight. If you weigh 150 pounds, 5% is 7.5 pounds. If you weigh 200 pounds, 5% is 10 pounds. Set a goal to lose 5% of your current body weight. Lose 5% of your weight and you have taken the first steps to reducing your health risks for diabetes and other serious conditions. Every pound you lose and keep off is a very positive step.
Make a plan
Include a healthy diet and physical activity. Losing weight and keeping it off is a challenge for most people. Begin your weight loss plan with the help of your health care team, and if possible, a dietician.
Dont Just Sit There
Being inactive contributes to type 2 diabetes, and not just because it goes hand in hand with being overweight. Physical activity helps keep blood glucose levels in check. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) proved that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by managing weight and increasing physical activity.
A large study done in people with pre-diabetes showed that 150 minutes of physical activity a week (30 minutes, five times a week) helped prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. In this study, people also lost 10 to 20 pounds by making changes in their eating habits.