Research and evidence has shown that intentional diabetic weight loss can improve the overall quality of life for those who have diabetes. It can delay disease complications as well as prevent comorbidities. 
Intentional diabetic weight loss is now the forefront of treatment and prevention in all populations. There is no cure for diabetes. Three types of diabetes exist. Type I diabetes is where a person’s body cannot produce insulin. Some may know this as childhood diabetes. Type II diabetes is where a person’s body cannot produce enough insulin to keep up with its need and the body is also resistant to the insulin it can produce. This is the form of diabetes many call adult-onset diabetes. The third form of diabetes occurs in pregnant women and it is known as gestational diabetes. Although gestational diabetes usually subsides after delivery, women who have gestational diabetes are at an extremely high risk of developing Type II diabetes.
Intentional diabetic weight loss should not be ignored. In the United States, diabetes is now the seventh leading cause of death in adults. It is the leading cause of adult-onset blindness, kidney failure and lower extremity amputations. A person who has diabetes is at two to four times the risk for heart disease compared to those who do not have it. Studies indicate that diabetic associated comorbidities include cancer, cognitive impairment, fractures, and incontinence. Lifestyle changes and improved dietary choices can slow the progression of the disease and delay the onset of the disease in those who are pre-diabetic.
Intentional weight loss in diabetics helps reduce insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps fat and muscle tissues use glucose. In diabetics, these tissues are resistant to insulin and do not metabolize glucose. Not metabolizing glucose causes the high levels glucose circulating in the blood because it cannot be used by fat and muscle tissue. Losing weight helps the fat and muscle tissues metabolize glucose and lower the blood sugar.
The importance of diabetic weight loss cannot be stressed enough. A person who is diabetic needs a weight loss program that is low in sugar and carbohydrates. It must include the essential vitamins and minerals recommended by the ADA. It should have adequate protein but not too much because protein can damage kidneys. A weight loss diet for diabetics should also be low in sodium. For a weight loss program that is heart-healthy, kidney-healthy and recommended for diabetics, please see link at the bottom of this post.
Tags: Diabetic Weight Loss, Healthy Weight Loss, Weight Loss Program
Leave A Reply (2 comments So Far)
Mandy Seay, RD, LD
101 days ago
One of the best ways to balance meals and blood sugar while managing weight is through carbohydrate counting.
The American Diabetes Association, Mayo Clinic and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association) all recommend this for people with diabetes, for those at risk and as a healthy eating plan for just about anyone. It is really how we should all eat.
Carbohydrate counting is not a low carbohydrate diet, but is more about keeping your carbohydrate grams within a certain range at each meal. There is still plenty of flexibility for choosing foods and no food is off limits.
Carbohydrate counting is realistic and sustainable which cannot be said for crash or restrictive diets.
Peggy Brown
98 days ago
Hi Mandy,
I agree, the trouble is teaching patients how to accurately, as well as diligently, count carbohydrates. I love the formula used for Peds. As an RN, it’s been my experience that children are the best at counting carbs and maintaining compliance. For adults who are still battling noncompliance and diet modifications, I highly recommend ViSalus for weight loss. It is a simple program and the meal replacement shakes are low-sugar, low-sodium and only have 7 grams of protein, which is awesome for those who already have kidney damage. I wish I would have known about ViSalus when I was implementing a public health interverntion for my community. It would have been an awesome intervention. Old habits do die hard. The simpler the plan, the easier it is for people to follow and remain compliant.
Peggy