The goal of any weight loss program is to achieve a gradual loss that can be maintained. This results in a healthy body and mind and can also result in the elimination of medication required to control Type 2 Diabetes. (2)
On the quest to lose weight, individuals who suffer from diabetes will find that exercise is their friend. The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals engaged in exercise for two reasons. In the first place, exercise reduces the body’s need for insulin while still controlling blood glucose levels. In the second place, it increases metabolism and enables an individual to lose weight with greater ease. (3)
Another product that diabetics have at their disposal for weight loss is the drug, Byetta. This medication was originally designed to assist in the control of Type 2 Diabetes but was found to have a side effect of weight loss. It was approved by the FDA for treatment as an injectable medication. It is not insulin but improves the control of blood glucose by mimicking the action of another hormone and helps the body to use insulin most effectively. (4)
Studies have also found that individuals who use Byetta have experienced weight loss. The theory is that the drug slows the movement of food from the stomach through the intestines which helps individuals to feel full or longer and results in an individual who eats less. At this point the drug is approved only for those who have diabetes and not as a weight-loss drug.
While individuals who have diabetes may find it useful to use Byetta it should not be the only factor used to achieve weight loss. Weight control is incredibly important in the long term management of diabetes in the prevention of long-term health complications.
Individuals who are overweight and suffer from Type 2 Diabetes find their overall health improves with weight loss and the management of their disease improves as well. Unfortunately, researchers also found that those who lose weight, put it back on, take it off again and continue to go through a roller coaster ride of weight loss and weight gain actually do more harm to their overall long-term health than those who just remain several pounds overweight.
But, before giving up and deciding not to attempt weight loss it is important to recognize the significant health benefits that you achieve even through the loss of five or 10 pounds. If five or 10 pounds is all that can be achieved initially it is enough that you do it, maintain the loss and attempt to lose more later.
References:
(1) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health: Relation of Weight gain and Weigh Loss on Subsequent Diabetes Risk in Overweight Adults
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1731720/
(2) American Diabetes Association: Food and Fitness Weight Loss
http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/fitness/weight-loss/
(3) American Diabetes Association: Food and Fitness Physical Activity
http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/fitness/weight-loss/physical-activity/
(4) Drugs.com: Byetta
http://www.drugs.com/byetta.html
| Advertisement | |
 |
|
Leave a Reply