Weight control for type 2 diabetes

By Weight Loss Consultant • Related • Filed Under

The numbers of adults who are diagnosed as being overweight or obese continue to rise every year in the US. This means that the amount of adults with type II diabetes will continue to rise as well as the two conditions go hand in hand. We are even seeing children who are being diagnosed with type II diabetes due to being overweight so the vicious cycle seems never ending. It is imperative for those who are diagnosed with what was once considered adults onset or type II diabetes try to control their weight.

Diabetics have problems controlling the amount of glucose in their bloodstream. The pancreas whose job is to produce and secrete insulin. The insulin in turn breaks down carbohydrates and even proteins when needed into molecules that the body can use for energy on a daily basis. The pancreas is unable to keep up with the demands that are put upon it when a person overeats on a daily basis. This leads to increased blood sugar levels as there is not enough insulin produced to keep up with the increased demand.

Increased blood sugar levels can lead to some very serious health problems if they are not reduced to normal levels. This is achieved with diet or medication. Diabetics are expected to adhere to a diet that restricts carbohydrates and fats even when they are prescribed medications. So it is important that they work on their diet and try to control their weight or lose weight if that is needed

One popular diet that is used for many type II diabetics is the glycemic index or glycemic impact diet. These diets work specifically with the way that foods affect the blood glucose levels of the body. The glycemic impact diet seems to be the more sound of the two for diabetics to follow for long periods of time. It takes into consideration both the glycemic index of the food and the load as well.

This diet consists of 40% unrefined carbohydrates such as whole grains and fruits. Fruit juices are not recommended in this portion of the diet due to the high sugar content. Whole fruits have much more fiber and have less of a glycemic load.

30% of the diet consists of lean proteins. They recommend using chicken, fish and fowl for the main portions of the diet but do allow for beef and pork on certain occasions. The remainder of the diet is made up of healthy fat choices such as olive oil, coconut oil, and healthy nuts and seeds.

Foods are given a value on this diet of 1 to 100 with proteins not being counted in the values as they do not contain carbohydrates. An example of some foods that are considered low on the glycemic impact scale would include strawberries, apples and pears in the fruits and green beans, lettuce and broccoli in the leafy vegetables. The whole grains would include sweet potatoes, rye bread and barley. They do allow some daily in the low range and those choices include low fat yogurt, low fat milk and some custards.

There are other foods that are listed in the mid to high ranges and they are all listed on the internet if a person is interested in following a diet such as this. This diet is considered to be healthy and safe for anyone to follow for the long term. It is considered to be a healthy diet to be on for life if needed.

It is recommended for anyone with any chronic health condition whether it be diabetes or another disease consult with their medical provider before starting any new diet. It is a good idea to consult with a physician or other professional to make sure it is safe to do so before starting anything like this.

Related information

Leave feedback on this product, program, diet or articles for future consumers!