Most cases of Type 2 Diabetes are a direct result of obesity. If you are overweight and have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, there is some good news to report. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care demonstrated that people who lost weight within 18 months of being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes benefited from the weight loss for up to 4 years, even if they gained the weight back later.
Tip #1:
Make a conscious effort to shed some pounds immediately after being diagnosed with diabetes. Those who lost an average of 25 pounds or more were twice as likely as those who didn’t lose weight to reach their target blood pressure and blood sugar levels during the fourth year, despite having gained the weight back.
A phenomenon known as metabolic memory may help explain the results. This means he sooner you can return your blood glucose and blood pressure to near-normal levels, the more likely the body is to store the effects of this in its long-term memory.
Or perhaps the study didn’t last long enough, concedes Gregory A. Nichols, a researcher who coauthored the study. “It’s entirely possible that one of the explanations here is that if we looked at 15 years, we wouldn’t find that benefit continuing,” Nichols said.
Either way, the study highlights the importance of losing weight if you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Losing only 5 to 7 percent of your body weight can have a significant positive effect on glucose levels.
According to the American Diabetes Association, there is even more you can do to decrease your chances of developing complications of diabetes:
Tip #2:
Enlist the care of a primary care physician, usually a family practice, general practice or internal medicine doctor. A primary care physician can oversee all your health needs and conditions, including diabetes, on an ongoing basis. You doctor will help you keep your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels within an acceptable range.
Tip #3:
Work with a diabetes educator. This person can be a tremendous resource, especially if you’ve been newly diagnosed and have an unending list of questions. A diabetes educator can help you learn about and understand the disease so you can successfully manage diabetes and its related conditions and complications.
Tip #4:
Exercise, exercise, exercise. You should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderately vigorous physical activity on a daily basis. Even if you don’t lose weight, exercise can improve your blood sugar levels.
Tip #5:
Take your medications. If your doctor recommends a diabetes medication, take it as prescribed to help lower your blood sugar. If you have high cholesterol, heart disease or any other co-existing conditions, your physician may prescribe additional medications or recommend over-the-counter drugs.
Tip #6:
Find an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) and podiatrist (foot doctor) you like and schedule annual examinations. Diabetics are at higher risk for developing serious complications involving the eyes and feet, so you don’t want to neglect them.
Tip #7:
Involve and educate your family and friends. Making the lifestyle changes necessary to lose weight and control your diabetes (eating healthy meals and getting regular exercise) can be harder to do if your friends and family aren’t on board.
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