Dr. Ahmed
Managing diabetes involves controlling and monitoring blood glucose levels. A major factor that affects glucose control in diabetics is body weight.
Obesity – excessive body weight or fat – can worsen insulin resistance and complicate the management of diabetes.
Obesity is also closely linked to some of the diabetic complications, and when combined with diabetes can further increase the risk for other medical problems.
Due to this complex relationship between diabetes and obesity, there are now comprehensive weight management programs to help diabetics maintain a healthy weight.
Read on to find out more about the specific components of these programs to help manage diabetes.
1. Professional Guidance:
Diabetic weight loss programs begin with an evaluation by a medical professional. For those who are currently under the care of a diabetes specialist, a referral to a separate team for weight management may be arranged. Some programs have their own team of professionals that can do the assessment.
Before starting a weight management program, you would need an initial assessment by an obesity specialist.
These specialists can then recommend a specific plan based on your health status and needs.
Throughout the program, there is also continuous monitoring of response, and support, in order to make necessary adjustments.
2. Healthy Eating Plan: A Core Component of Weight Management Program
A well-balanced diet is a pillar in diabetes and obesity management. Education is important to make informed healthy dietary choices, and diabetes weight management programs do so through seminars or counseling.
Meal planning is made easier through menus, food recommendations, or even meal replacements.
Although there are certain food items that are to be limited such as sugary beverages and processed foods in order to better control glucose, a diabetic diet is more of a general healthy eating plan.
Eating a wide variety of foods with a focus on whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods, is recommended.
3. Behavioral Strategies
An important part of obesity and weight management guidelines in diabetics is making healthy lifestyle changes.
This includes a plan for physical activity and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol. Weight programs promote these habits by providing tools to set goals, promote adherence, and track progress.
Following the exercise prompts and tracking physical activity is a great way to keep active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercises and two to three strength training sessions a week.
You can find motivation and monitor your progress using the weight trackers provided by the program.
4. Blood Glucose Monitoring
Diabetics need to monitor blood glucose levels through blood sugar meters or continuous glucose monitoring devices.
This is essential, especially when trying to lose weight, since the diet and behavioral changes can affect blood glucose levels.
A feature available in some diabetes weight management programs is the ability to monitor and track glucose levels.
You can make sure to monitor your glucose levels regularly and correctly by consulting with your provider regarding the best monitor for you.
Keep an eye on your glucose levels to get a picture of how your diet and activities are affecting your glucose levels.
5. Medication or Surgical Options
With some diabetes weight management programs, pharmacotherapy or surgery may be part of the plan.
Some people with diabetes and obesity may need medication to better manage their weight and glucose. In some, weight loss surgeries like bariatric surgery may be recommended.
To get the best recommendations, continue follow-up with your healthcare provider. Tracking your progress through the program can help you and your provider see what treatment approaches should be changed or continued.
If you are already on medications or have undergone surgery, the weight loss programs would also help in providing the best support for your management.
Conclusion:
Managing diabetes and obesity together is possible with diabetes weight loss programs. These programs use a holistic approach in order to cover all the factors that have an impact on weight and glucose control such as education, diet, behavioral strategies, weight tracking, glucose monitoring, and support.
This multi-pronged approach makes it easier to create healthy habits that can lead to sustainable weight loss and improved diabetes control.
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