Importance of Weight Loss in Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes Diagnosis

Type 2 diabetes no longer has to be seen as a lifelong disease. A type 2 diagnosis changes your life and may seem overwhelming to handle. However, changes in your lifestyle, including a diet and exercise plan, can be implemented slowly and with the support of your diabetes healthcare team.

After consulting with your doctor, you will better understand where to begin when it comes to starting a new weight loss routine. It will take time to figure out what works for you and what you need. You may need to adjust your plan many times before you find the perfect plan tailored to your physical and emotional needs. The first step is finding the motivation to begin, especially if you are not used to exercising or dieting.

One factor that often motivates diabetic patients to get serious about their health is the fear of all the adverse effects and complications. Type 2 diabetes patients need to be aware of why it is imperative to make these lifestyle changes. Type 2 diabetics have a greater risk of death from heart disease and certain types of cancers. Weight loss helps protect diabetes patients from common complications like eye diseases (retinopathy), neuropathy (nerve damage), liver damage, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Doctors need to emphasize the importance of managing blood glucose levels to minimize the complications of type 2 diabetes, whether a patient is on medication or not. Glycemic control is essential in reducing the risk of complications of the condition. Most type 2 diabetes patients are advised to keep their A1c level below seven percent.