Diabetes Can Be Reversed With Weight Loss

According to the National Centre for Health Statistics: In 2008: 75,119 people died in the United States from Diabetes - the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Being overweight is well recognised as an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as non insulin dependant diabetic.

It is the most common form of diabetes affecting 90-95% of the 18.2 million people with diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes includes: Increased thirst and hunger, dry mouth, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision, poor healing of cuts and wounds. Diagnosis is done through your physician. A simple random and fasting glucose blood test is a good place to start. This checks the glucose level in the blood. A urine test to check for ketones is also used to diagnose diabetes. Being overweight is defined as a body mass index of greater than 25 and obesity is defined as a body mas index greater than 30.

Obesity enhances insulin resistance- a condition characterised by increased insulin production and impaired glucose intolerance; both of which are reversible with weight loss. Therefore it may be surmised that weight loss and prevention of weight gain are beneficial for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Important to note that if you are diabetic and planning on losing weight it is imperative to work closely with your physcian., because with dieting and exercise your blood sugar needs to be monitored and if you are on diabetic medication, it may need to be adjusted.

Studies carried out by the National Institute of Health have proven that with the combination of diet and exercise, one can cut the risk of developing diabetes by 58%. The American Diabetes Association states that if one can lose 10-15 pounds, not only your blood sugar will be lowered, it will also improve blood pressure and cholesterol readings. Diabetes is also attributed to cardiac disease, stroke, blindness, amputations and peripheral nerve damage. Fortunately people with type 2 diabetes can reduce the risk of damage to the heart and kidneys, eyes and feet. By following a weight loss plan and exercise lower blood sugar levels can be achieved. People with type 2 diabetes should carefully monitor carbohydrate consumption, that is because carbohydrates have the biggest effect on blood sugar, since they are broken down in to sugar early in the digestion process. Eating complex carbohydrates like whole grain are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream- decreasing the risks of high blood sugars.

Everything has to be in moderation because carbohydrates are the fuel source for the body. Reducing calories and increasing protein intake are also of great benefit. A number of national surveys have been carried out and researchers have found the "American Paradox," which means the proportion of fat that the average American intakes has gone down, but the sheer amount of fat we consume as a nation is going up because we live in a '"Super size Society". We eat larger portions for each meal. Controlling your calorie intake is an important key to your success. Start by making a few adjustments in your eating habits. Eating slowly helps the brain's appetite-control centre to register that there is food in your stomach. Drink between bites of food, as this will help with digestion and gives your stomach time to absorb the food. Use smaller plates as this gives the illusion of larger portions. Portion out your food and put away leftovers, this will make it less tempting to get a second helping.

Do not sit in front of the T.V. eating out of packages, as you will lose track of how much you are eating, take a small serving from the packages and this way you are controlling the portion size. Remove all unhealthy snacks and pop from your cupboards and replace with nutritious foods. With smart thinking, willingness and determination you will succeed.