Being overweight can be one of the defining characteristics of type 2 diabetes. Oftentimes, patients with type 2 diabetes are told that they should lose weight. While eating healthy and getting active are two key ways to help manage diabetes, doing these things can also jumpstart weight loss.
Slimming down can be one of the most effective ways to prevent, manage and perhaps even reverse type 2 diabetes. Recent research has shown that klotho therapy may be a great diabetes prevention tool as well. Klotho proteins are naturally occurring in humans and are involved in many vital biological processes. Research indicates that one day, they may be used to suppress aging and prevent conditions like diabetes and dementia.
For those already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, weight loss is one of the best ways to achieve improved blood sugar control. Meanwhile, to control the symptoms, berberine (the best berberine supplement can be easily found online) or similar plant-based components could be incorporated into the diet. On that note, read on to discover why weight loss is important, as well as some helpful tips on how to successfully achieve your weight loss goals.
Why is Weight Loss Important When You’ve Been Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes?
Losing weight isn’t entirely cosmetic. It is also about prevention. Losing weight can help you lower your blood sugar naturally, which means that you may need to take less medication, or none at all.
Losing weight can also reduce insulin resistance and allow patients to concentrate on other symptoms, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These conditions, like diabetes, can increase the risk for serious events like heart attack or stroke.
How Much Weight Should People With Type 2 Diabetes Lose?
Most type 2 diabetics should aim to lose some weight, but maybe not as much as you might think. Research indicates that losing just 5% to 7% of your body weight—so about 10 to 14 pounds for a 200 pound adult—can significantly improve your health. Losing this little bit of weight can lower cholesterol and blood pressure and reduce insulin resistance.
Reversing type 2 diabetes can be a longer process. Usually, reversal requires a variety of things, including significant weight loss. Typically, reversal is seen in younger patients whose type 2 diabetes onset has just occurred.
How Should People with Type 2 Diabetes Lose Weight?
Most doctors recommend a mixture of healthy diet and regular exercise. If you are trying to lose weight, you should discuss these options with a healthcare provider to see what approach is best for you. There are many resources available to provide tips on how to start walking for weight loss, make low-calorie family meals or even order healthy food at your favorite restaurants.
Research around klotho proteins and klotho therapy as a tool for prevention is in the works. Soon, advances in klotho therapy could help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. While research is progressing, doctors are uniquely qualified to be able to recommend certain programs, diets and modifications that can help patients succeed at losing weight and treating type 2 diabetes. Be sure to consult a physician if you need help figuring out how to lose weight healthily.