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Diabetes Weight Management

A diabetes weight management plan is an important treatment component for anyone who is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is also known as adult onset diabetes and usually affects people who are fifty years of age and older, though younger people can also be affected. The type 2 designation means that the individual is producing insulin, but it's not functioning properly enough to control the body's glucose. High blood glucose creates all kinds of other problems. The vast majority of people who are diagnosed with type 2 are overweight so one way to keep from getting this condition is to stay at an appropriate and healthy weight given one's height and frame. A person who leads a sedentary lifestyle also has an increased risk of being diagnosed with the type 2 condition as are those with a family history of the disease. Certain ethnic groups also seem to be more susceptible to the condition that other groups. While the condition is often treated with insulin and other medications, a diabetes weight management program is also essential to future good health.

The three rules for physical fitness are exercise, exercise, exercise. Again and again, researchers are finding out that physical fitness prevents the likelihood of getting certain diseases. Becoming physically fit after learning of a weight-related condition can lessen the effect of the disease. Additionally, exercise has been proven to sharpen the individual's mental acuity and creativity. The exercises don't need to be difficult or painful. It's not necessary to run in a marathon, compete in a triathlon, or to attempt to beat Olympic swimming records. What's important is to get up off the couch, get out of the house, and move. Someone with type 2 should consult with a diabetes weight management professional or her physician before starting an exercise regimen. But with the professional's go-ahead, the individual has many options. Walking around the neighborhood, or even mall-walking, gets the blood flowing throughout the body. A gym membership will give an individual access to all kinds of machines that work different muscle groups. Treadmills provide easy walking and running opportunities. Many gyms provide personal trainers for an extra fee. These trainers can work with the individual to create an appropriate training regimen that takes her condition into consideration.

An effective diabetes weight management program also will focus on the importance of good nutrition. Someone with type 2 may need to cut out certain foods and to pay attention to caloric intake. A nutritionist can provide a diet plan that shows examples of what foods to eat at different meals and for snacks. This professional may also provide other resources, such as healthy menus and shopping lists. Medical facilities often offer ongoing classes to diabetes patients and their families that provide invaluable information for rearranging one's lifestyle to accommodate the condition. Questions can be answered in a supportive and educational environment by specially trained staff. Just like exercise, good nutrition can reduce the risks of getting the condition in the first place. But for those who already have it, both exercise and healthy foods are essential to one's physical well-being. Personalized regimens may also be available through diabetes weight management programs.

One way to find out if a person is overweight or obese is to determine her body mass index (BMI). This calculation is based on an individual's height and weight. Free BMI calculators are available on several websites that also provide the different ranges for whether the person is underweight, at a normal weight, overweight, or obese. Carrying extra pounds creates health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic problems that could lead to heart disease, and undue pressure on the person's joints. A well-planned diabetes weight management program can help reduce all these risks. The BMI calculation will get smaller as pounds are reduced, high blood pressure and high cholesterol numbers will improve, the risks of heart disease will lessen, and knee and ankle joints will strengthen. Over time, exercise and nutrition may mean no more medications for some of these weight-related conditions. Considering the horrendous side effects of many prescription medications, not having to take them is a really good thing! Of a mighty king (the Messiah), the psalmist wrote: "He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight" (Psalm 72:13-14). Life is in the blood and healthy blood often means a healthy body.

An important thing to remember before starting a diabetes weight management program is to consult with one's doctor and perhaps also a diabetes educator or counselor. Medications and insulin will need to be monitored as one's physical fitness improves and the pounds start coming off. The individual needs to be realistic about weight loss goals and expectations. An exercise program can begin with small steps. Perhaps the individual can only walk around the block the first week. But at least that walk is a step (pun intended) in the right direction, the direction leading to better physical health. Over-the-counter weight loss drugs should only be used under medical supervision as the ingredients may adversely interact with other medications. For the very obese, gastric bypass surgery may be recommended. Before taking this step, however, potential patients need to have a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedure. A type 2 diagnosis is not good news, but neither is it necessarily cause for great alarm. What it should be is a wake-up call for a diabetes weight management program that includes exercise and proper nutrition. Following the program will almost assuredly benefit the diabetic by decreasing pounds and increasing health.

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