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Elevated blood sugar levels are a dangerous sign of insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. It is also accompanied by other undesirable symptoms – a sense of fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination. It is very important for a diabetic to stay in good shape by following a proper diet that regulates blood sugar levels. In the case of overweight, it is also recommended to practice physical activity – in order to normalize weight and lower glycemia. What diet should a diabetic follow to lose weight?
Diet for diabetes – is weight loss necessary?
Diabetes is often associated with obesity. Therefore, it is very important in the case of this type of ailment to take care of both regulating blood sugar levels and planning a safe path to losing weight. Diabetic diet should be individualized, adapted to each patient, taking into account his age, body weight, height, medications taken, and general health. In any case, however, weight loss is key. Overweight and diabetes for good health cannot go hand in hand.
Insulin and weight loss
Obesity is clearly an unfavorable circumstance for diabetes. It makes the body resistant to insulin produced by the pancreas. These processes take place in the liver, muscles, subcutaneous fat tissue – burning glucose to the greatest extent, thus lowering its level in the blood. In addition, when a person is overweight and diabetic, glucose is not easily absorbed by cells and converted into energy. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin, and thus – weight increases and diabetes develops. The patient is forced to take insulin, which essentially contributes to weight gain. And here begins the problem of diabetes. Insulin and slimming are not on the same side when it comes to the health and well-being of the patient. He must decide whether he continues to use insulin and struggles with diabetic obesity, or rejects it, exposing himself to serious health complications. The solution in this situation is to use a properly balanced diet and practice physical activity.
Diabetic slimming diet
A diabetic diet, like any other, is governed by its own rules. In this, the key is to balance carbohydrates, which should constitute 45-50% of the daily intake of food, proteins (15-20% daily), and fats (30-35%). Among the carbohydrates there will be a place for both simple sugars (sweet in taste) and complex sugars (not sweet in taste). With regard to fats, it should be remembered that products such as bacon, ham, pork loin cannot be present in this diet. Lean substitutes are recommended – poultry, fish. A diabetic who is slimming down should also give up sweets and, to a large extent, sweet fruits. The basic rule to follow is to eat 5 small meals at regular intervals every day. Weight loss in type 1 diabetes should be based on reducing insulin doses while balancing the diet and undertaking physical activity.
Overweight and diabetes – get off the couch!
Diet and exercise are equally important elements of the weight loss process. Physical effort allows you to lose weight, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce medication doses. Diabetics are often accompanied by other ailments, so the decision on the type of physical activity should always be made in consultation with a diabetologist. The simplest and safest form of movement may be walking, with a gradual increase in its duration and intensity. It is important to always have a glucometer with you, which will allow you to measure your blood sugar level and eat something sweet in case of a sudden drop. You can also help yourself with slimming lacquers dedicated to diabetes.