What Diabetes Affects Seemingly Health People – And What to Do About It

A common misconception is that diabetes primarily strikes individuals who eat poorly, fail to exercise, and are overweight. And while those are three major risk factors for developing diabetes, the fact remains that many otherwise healthy individuals are nonetheless diagnosed with the disease.

This unfortunate reality underscores the importance of always being aware of the symptoms of diabetes. Such symptoms may include rapid and unexplained weight loss, unquenchable thirst, and constant fatigue. Again, even if you eat properly and exercise, you may be at risk for diabetes, so if these symptoms apply, meet with a doctor immediately.

For those who have been diagnosed, one of the most important and immediate steps to take is to reduce carbohydrate intake. This can be somewhat complicated because fruits such as apples, oranges, and cherries which are otherwise good for you – have carbohydrates. So reduce your fruit (and bread) portions and minimize – if not eliminate – pasta from your diet.

While these changes seem stark, millions of healthy diabetics can attest that it’s by no means insurmountable.

Diabetes and Weight Loss

The link between diabetes and obesity is well documented. Being overweight or obese drastically raises your risk of developing diabetes. Losing weight now can reduce those risks significantly; if you already have diabetes, losing weight now will help reduce blood sugar levels, blood pressure and a lot of other symptoms of the disease. Even a 10% reduction in body weight will help reduce symptoms. A few simple tips will help you lose weight gradually; ensuring that you don’t harm your body by losing weight too quickly.

Eat a healthy diet. Chances are your doctor referred you to a dietician to help you design a diet to fit your particular needs and lifestyle. Follow your dietician’s advice; they get paid to know what they’re talking about. Avoid processed sugars in foods, while keeping quick fix snacks like candy on hand in case of a dramatic drop in blood sugar. Insulin sometimes can reduce your blood sugar too much; in this case you need to eat a sugary snack like hard candy or drink a soft drink. Don’t make a habit of this; only eat and drink these foods in the case of a blood sugar emergency. Dietician’s advise to eat all the major food types; don’t cut out carbohydrates. Everyone, even diabetics, needs to consume carbohydrates to be healthy. Reduce your carb intake along with everything else. The goal of a diabetic diet is to reduce the amount of calories and processed sugars consumed by a diabetic, not to cut out any specific food. Following a reduced calorie diet, while maintaining the right mix of foods will help your body shed pounds gradually.

Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Five days is even better, but three days a week will help your body burn those extra calories. Brisk exercise is recommended; fast walking, light jogging, aerobic exercise; all these are great ideas to help you lose weight. As with any exercise, drink plenty of fluids while working out so you don’t become dehydrated. Unlike others, diabetics should avoid sugary drinks while working out and this includes sports drinks. Water is the best bet for diabetics; no added sugars and all the hydration you need. Monitor your blood sugar levels before and after exercise; physical exertion can dramatically lower blood sugar levels after a workout and you may need to have a quick fix snack handy in case of a hypoglycemic event.

These are almost exactly the same weight loss recommendations given to non-diabetics. In our stationary, sugar obsessed society, everyone can benefit from eating healthier foods and exercising more frequently. With the increase of obesity and diabetes in children, it has become necessary that adults lead through example and get their kids out from in front of the television. Healthy meals will go a long way towards preventing childhood obesity and diabetes, and outdoor activity will get their bodies in gear to shed the pounds they’ve acquired playing video games and watching television. Let your children go on walks or runs with you; you may be surprised at the response you get from them.

[tags]diabetes, weight loss, obesity[/tags]