The only concern for people with diabetes revolves around controlling their weight, while concurrently addressing the challenge of weight gain. The focus is on maintaining the stability of sugar levels in the bloodstream.
Unfortunately, there are misconceptions about diabetes that people have; there is a significant difference between diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2.
In the following paragraphs, I will explain the difference between the two kinds of diabetes and how diabetes leads to weight gain. Subsequently, I will provide tips for managing diabetes effectively, and finally, I will correct some misconceptions about diabetes treatments.
The relation between Diabetes 1 and weight disorders
In diabetes, where the body encounters challenges in regulating blood sugar, disruptions in glucose regulation occur. As glucose is the primary source of energy in our body, any issues with blood sugar can lead to these disruptions. In type 1 diabetes, insufficient insulin production by the pancreas exacerbates this challenge.
Insulin is the hormone that is responsible for controlling blood sugar levels, which is made in the pancreas.
In the case of having diabetes 1, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, which leads to weight loss.
Glucose starts increasing in the bloodstream; then the body tries to fix the problem by giving the kidneys the order to get rid of it through urine.
Weight loss happens as a result of losing a lot of calories from unused sugar. People with diabetes 1 always lose weight; once it is treated, the weight returns to its normal state.
In diabetes 1 it is preferred to avoid eating more fat than usual, more fat tissue makes the process of storing fat so hard because the insulin can’t work properly.
The relation between diabetes 2 and weight disorders
In this type of diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t work properly as it should; it still makes insulin, but the amount of insulin is not enough to control the high level of blood sugar.
Most people diagnosed with diabetes 2 are overweight because the body can’t eliminate the high amount of sugar in the bloodstream.
Overcoming obesity is crucial as it increases the risk of developing diabetes type 2.
What is insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is a condition that occurs in this type of diabetes. In this situation, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body can’t use it properly; the amount of insulin is not sufficient to transport glucose to fat cells and muscles.
Then, the pancreas produces more and more insulin to address this issue. However, it can’t generate enough insulin to maintain suitable blood sugar levels.
You can control type 2 diabetes by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. Exercise helps you achieve the required blood sugar level, and a balanced diet aids in weight loss, positively impacting blood sugar.
3 tips you should follow to beat diabetes
- The simplest way to combat diabetes-related weight gain is to adjust your diet and engage in regular exercise. Call a skilled nutritionist and an experienced sports coach to receive all the tips you need.Don’t make the common mistake that many people with diabetes do—self-adjusting the dosage and timing of insulin to accommodate consuming more calories, which is totally wrong. By doing that, you will only harm yourself, and more problems will happen than just losing some pounds.
- If you can’t achieve weight loss through activities and diets, take a closer look at the medications you are using. Evaluate the type of insulin you take; the modified human insulin is the latest and is associated with weight loss.Additionally, there are various medications available that can help you achieve your goal. Oral diabetes medications and metformin, for instance, may assist in controlling blood sugar levels.
- Ask your doctor about all the factors contributing to your disease, about all diabetes medications and insulin analogs, and the potential causes of weight gain.
By seeking this information, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the disease and formulate a treatment plan focused on the main objective: weight loss.
Now it’s time to unveil the mystery of diabetes. In the following paragraphs, I will shed light on 5 myths about diabetes.
5 myths about diabetes
Explore common myths about diabetes, such as specific diets and misconceptions about bread, sugar, meat, and juices, to make informed choices for better health. Read through the myths below.
Myth 1: you should follow a diabetic diet
In fact, it is a misconception that there is no specific diabetic diet. Instead, one should adopt a healthy eating style to maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for a positive impact.
Perfect foods that aid in weight maintenance include vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, lean meats, and vegetable oils.
Myth 2: stop eating bread, it harms you
It is a misconception to say that eating bread will harm people with diabetes. You can consume bread and other carbohydrates, but it’s important to choose foods with a specific carbohydrate level. Spread the carbohydrates you eat throughout the day to maintain suitable blood sugar levels.
Additionally, consider visiting a registered dietitian who can provide you with expert advice on managing your disease and selecting the ideal foods to eat.
Myth 3: Avoid sugar to control diabetes
Sugar is one of the carbohydrates that provide energy to our body. In diabetes, it is crucial to maintain your blood sugar at a suitable level.
You can determine the carbs you consume in each meal by checking the food label. Compare the carbohydrate grams of the food with the carbohydrates on your plate.
Myth 4: Eat meat and fats because it has zero carbohydrates
In fact, eating more meat and fats could lead to heart disease and make your blood sugar unstable. So, why expose yourself to their harmful effects? If you have type 2 diabetes, the risk of heart disease is two to four times higher than normal.
So, it’s safe to keep your heart healthy by incorporating plant-based foods into your diet.
Myth 5: Drink juices instead of soda
It is a common misconception to think that juices have a lower amount of carbohydrates than soda because juices contain more nutrients. However, juices can raise blood sugar levels, leading to blood sugar problems.
It is advisable to adopt drinking water and other zero-calorie drinks. If you choose to drink juices, do so while controlling the percentage of carbs you consume each day.
In conclusion, we dived into the intricacies of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, highlighting their distinctions and their impact on weight disorders. Practical tips for managing diabetes, including exercise and dietary adjustments, are provided for a holistic health approach.
Additionally, prevalent myths about diabetic diets, bread consumption, sugar, meat, fats, and juice choices are debunked.
The article advocates for a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing plant-based foods and the importance of controlling carbohydrate intake. Consider sharing this information to raise awareness and support those navigating the complexities of diabetes.
