Weight loss and diabetes are interconnected. If a man is overweight and suffering from type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes, reducing his weight brings down the amount of sugar in his blood. Some doctors state that by reducing extra weight, a diabetic patient can even stop using insulin and other medication.
Considerations
For diabetics, the body must maintain a delicate balance among blood sugar, insulin and medication. Skipping just one meal can influence this balance. So, before you start a weight-reduction plan, consult a dietary expert and doctor. Don't carry out such a plan all by yourself, as it may be unsafe.
Proper Balance
While dieting, keep close watch over your glucose levels to avoid blood sugar highs and lows. According to some doctors, cutting 500 calories a day is ideal, as it is safe for a diabetic patient. Cut those calories across the whole spectrum of carbohydrates, protein and fat, so that you maintain a healthy proportion.
Carbohydrates
When changing your diet, pay close attention to carbohydrates. These foods can have a direct and dramatic effect on blood sugar levels, as they are turned into sugar quite early in the digestive process. Complex carbohydrates such as those found in vegetables and whole-grain bread are absorbed into the blood much more slowly. This helps you avoid the risk of sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
Exercise
Exercising regularly also can help you maintain a proper blood sugar balance, and you won't have to cut as many calories per day. Aerobic exercises such as jogging or walking on a treadmill are best for lowering blood sugar. If you do regular aerobic exercise, cut back only about 300 calories a day from your diet to avoid blood sugar lows. You also may need reduced doses of insulin and other medications.
Insulin and Weight Gain
Insulin helps the body function normally by controlling sugar levels in the blood. But it also forces the body to utilize more carbs and less fat as fuel. In the process, it changes many of the carbs into fat and stores them. Only by moderating the insulin response are more fats used for energy. High-carb diets release more insulin into the blood stream to lower blood sugar levels. This causes hunger, making you eat again after only a few hours. As a result, some diabetics tend to gain weight because insulin is regularly injected into their systems.
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