For those whose doctor has diagnosed them with type 2 diabetes, there are multiple different ways to help them achieve better health. One option is through exercise and a healthier diet. However, what is the actual amount of weight they need to lose to get back to a healthy status? Is there an exact number they should strive for?
The answer to that question is dependent on a number of different factors. To begin with, the BMI (body mass index) of the patient is a key consideration. A BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5 to 24 is neutral, and over 24 is considered overweight. Those with a higher BMI are at a greater risk of type 2 diabetes. So, the first step to reversing type 2 diabetes is to achieve a healthy BMI.
Once they have done that, they can focus on losing the excess weight. To do that, they need to follow a calorie counting system. As a general rule of thumb, patients should aim to lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week, depending on their current weight. This can be challenging, especially since losing weight can sometimes lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. So, helping patients to set realistic goals is extremely important.
How Does Type 2 Diabetes Affect Your Daily Life?
Type 2 diabetes can have a significant impact on your daily life. As mentioned above, one of the first signs patients will likely experience is increased thirst and hunger. So, they may find themselves eating more frequently than usual, especially in the morning. It’s also possible they may experience mood swings and depression due to insufficient sleep and poor nutrition. But the important thing to keep in mind is that everything is relative. While these are all very real consequences of having type 2 diabetes, it’s not something that defines their whole existence. It’s still possible to lead a full and happy life with diabetes.
The medication used to treat type 2 diabetes can also have various side effects. For example, metformin, one of the most prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes, has been known to cause liver damage in some patients. Therefore, those who have recently been diagnosed with or are at risk of liver disease should not take metformin, or any medication of this type for that matter. However, as mentioned above, there are multiple different types of medications that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes. In some cases, this may mean changing pharmaceuticals or using medications alongside different supplements.
Summary: The Consequences of Having Type 2 Diabetes
So, what are the consequences of having type 2 diabetes? First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the disease can be completely reversed. Through a healthier diet and exercise regimen, people with type 2 diabetes can get back to a place where they don’t have to continuously take medication for it. But as mentioned above, it’s not as easy as just changing what they eat and how they move around. There is a lot of psychology and lifestyle intervention that needs to go into it. So, while it’s great to know the disease can be cured, it’s also important to remember that there is a lot of work involved in getting there.
The other thing to keep in mind is that, even when they are in good health, people with type 2 diabetes are still at risk of cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and other complications. So, it’s still essential that they follow a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect weight for every patient. Everyone has a different BMI and medical history. So, the number they should aim for will depend on where they are in their recovery process, as well as their own personal goals and preferences.