Diabetes is a medical condition of the body which affects that way in which our body uses the food we eat to turn it into energy. Whenever we consume food, the majority of it is turned into glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar, and when taken into our body’s cells, it is used as energy. However, for those who suffer from diabetes, many require insulin in order to deliver glucose to their body’s cells. Unfortunately, there are some diabetics who either produce too little insulin or no insulin at all. As a result, their body’s sugar to cell energy process is disrupted.
There are two known types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes is labeled as an autoimmune disease where one’s body begins to attack the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. On the other hand, Type II diabetes is known as adult onset diabetes which is caused by being overweight or lacking the proper physical activity. In most cases, Type II diabetes accounts for 90%-95% of diabetic cases. In fact, it is this type of diabetes that affects weight loss the greatest.
If you desire to take control of your diabetes, the first step you should take is to institute a weight loss plan. Unfortunately, for some, this is easier said than done.
Typical weight loss diets for diabetics should be low in fat, carbohydrates, and very restrictive of one’s calorie intake. It is recommended that at least 40% of your calorie intake be in the form of protein. For those who suffer from kidney problems, or other related illnesses, be sure to consult a doctor first before consuming this amount of protein per day.
Another component of effective weight loss for those who suffer from diabetes is exercise. Aerobic exercises help to strengthen your cardiovascular system as well as burn calories. Because muscle burns more than fat, it is also advisable to undergo a strength training routine in order to build muscle while simultaneously burning fat. This will greatly impact your weight loss efforts – much more than if you were to simply walk or bike ride.
The bottom line is: if you can adopt a whole foods diet in conjunction with regular exercise, you can realistically lose weight. For those who suffer from Type II diabetes, there’s a very strong chance that such weight loss can help your condition, if not cure it altogether.
Type II diabetes is largely due in part to a metabolic syndrome which goes hand in hand with high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary artery disease. If you can decrease your chances for one, you can certainly work towards a cure for the others. By losing weight and adopting a healthy diet, you are started on the right path to a cure.
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