Obesity and Diabetes
The Relationship between Obesity and Diabetes and the Importance of a Healthy Diet
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), there are four major risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes:
(1) Being 20% or more over your ideal body weight, or having a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher
(2) Leading a sedentary lifestyle
(3) Being over the age of 45
(4) Having a family history of the disease.
While obesity does not cause type 2 diabetes, it does influence the development of the disease, and is a major risk factor. The ADA reports that 80% of the nearly 14 million people in the United States who have diabetes were overweight before they developed the disease. The reason obesity appears to be such a major risk factor for diabetes is due to the fact that it seems to decrease the body's ability to use insulin. This is called "insulin resistance". When your body resists insulin, sugar (glucose) accumulates in the blood.
Since age and family history is out of your hands, you do have some control over your body weight and activity levels. Even if you already have type 2 diabetes, losing weight can help. Research has shown that even weight loss as little as 10 to 20 pounds can improve diabetes control.
This is why a good diet and exercise are so important for prevention and treatment of diabetes. Getting on a healthy diet is not an easy task; this is why a nutritionist is highly recommended. Not only do the amount of calories have to be calculated, but also the amount of carbohydrates, fat, sodium, potassium, and phosphorous. This can be complicated, but with the help of Medibar Diet's portion controlled protein supplements, it has never been easier to stay on your diabetic, low calorie, low fat and low carb meal plan with the help of delicious, diabetic friendly diet supplements and meal replacements. Not only will the supplements keep sugar intake low, the higher amounts of protein help to promote fat burning and keep your hunger to a minimum.
