What is type 2 diabetes?
Before we talk about weight loss with type 2 diabetes, we need to better understand the disease itself. Diabetes, a condition closely linked to obesity, occurs when the body has issues with insulin production or action, leading to increased blood glucose levels. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Let’s get to know their differences:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes emerges when one’s body begins to destroy pancreatic beta cells, the cells in the body that create insulin and regulate one’s blood glucose levels. This type of diabetes is most commonly found in children and young adults, however, type 1 diabetes can occur to someone of any age.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, normally begins with a condition referred to as “insulin resistance”, whereas the body does not use its insulin properly. With a growing need for insulin to regulate one’s blood glucose levels, the pancreas starts to have a diminished effect on insulin production, eventually leading to a complete failure of insulin production.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms
Type 2 diabetes is the condition we will be focussing on, being that 90-95 percent of diabetes patients are diagnosed with type 2. In fact, according to the CDC, there are over 34 million people in The United States who have been diagnosed with diabetes, over 10% of the entire nation. According to the World Health Organization, around 422 million people around the world have diabetes.
If you are wondering what the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are, there are some common ones in people with this disease, although it is difficult to realize that they are a result of the disease. You can even go years without knowing you have type 2 diabetes. Some of the most common effects are:
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue and blurred vision
- Involuntary weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Tingling in the hands or feet
- Sores that take time to heal
Type 2 diabetes causes
First and foremost, we must touch on the various factors that can increase one’s risk of type 2 diabetes.
Genetics
Like most things in life, genetics play a central role in determining one’s risk for diabetes. Someone with a first-degree relative that has been diagnosed with diabetes has a significantly higher chance of being diagnosed themselves, anywhere from 5 to 10 times greater risk.
Low Birth Weight
Another interesting factor is the correlation between diabetes and low birth weight. Studies have shown that low birth weight can lead to increased chances of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, leading to type 2 diabetes. However, more recent data has provided positive news to those who were born with a low birth rate, showing that lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can lower one’s risk of being diagnosed with diabetes.
Obesity
Now for the kicker. Diabetes is closely related to obesity, being that risk for diabetes grows with increased body weight. In fact, those who are affected by obesity are 7 to 10 times more likely to develop diabetes. Additionally, people who maintain a body mass index of 35 or higher are 20 times more likely to develop diabetes.
However, a person’s weight isn’t the only factor in determining their potential insulin resistance levels, the location of excess body weight is a dead giveaway. Someone who carries their excess body weight around their abdomen and stomach region is of a higher likelihood to experience insulin resistance.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Lack of physical activity is also one of the causes of type 2 diabetes, as obesity is closely related to a sedentary lifestyle. It has been proven that people who do not exercise are more prone to suffer from this disease.
Tips for losing weight with type 2 diabetes
While it is difficult to determine what causes one to have insulin resistance, there is an incredible amount of data pointing to the fact that obesity and a lack of physical activity only make one’s insulin resistance far worse. The fact that obesity is linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes shows that weight loss can help control the disease.
So, what can one do to improve their insulin action and reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes? Experts have determined that a 5%-10% decrease in excess body weight can lead to improved insulin action. But, if you want to fully treat your diabetes, a program of diet, exercise and behavior modifications can lead to successful diabetes treatment.
Type 2 diabetes diet
In regards to one’s diet, if you’re attempting strict weight loss then you should be most focussed on your calorie intake. By decreasing your calorie intake to create an energy deficit of 500-1,000 calories a day, one can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week. To do this, perform a detailed type 2 diabetes weight loss diet plan.
Additionally, limiting your carbohydrates can produce effective results, being that carbohydrates increase one’s blood sugar more than other foods. Here is a type 2 diabetes food list:
- Fatty fish
- Cinnamon
- Eggs
- Chia seeds
- Turmeric
- Greek yogurt
- Walnuts
- Green leafy vegetables
- Broccoli
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Strawberries
If you add these foods into your lifestyle, you will have the best diet for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
Exercise Your Body
In addition to a prediabetes diet, improving one’s physical activity is another way to reduce one’s risk of developing diabetes and even decrease the mortality rates among those who are already diagnosed. Ultimately, one should aim for 30-45 minutes of activity levels 5 times per week. These periods of activity do not need to be performed at once, you can split up your physical activity over the course of each day. Ideally, you should aim to hit between 8,000-10,000 steps per day; however, any increase in activity levels from what you’re used to will help you balance your weight loss. Exercise will help you decrease your risk of diabetes.
Bariatric Surgery
In addition to diet and exercise, weight loss surgery can be considered for patients in an attempt to lower their risk for type 2 diabetes, or for those who have already been diagnosed. According to Obesity Action, bariatric surgery should be considered for those who have a bmi above 40, or those with a bmi between 35-40 with pre-existing medical problems.
Studies have shown that bariatric surgery can cure one’s diabetes due to the weight loss benefits coupled with the hormonal changes that occur as a result of the surgery. When other methods of weight loss have not worked, bariatric surgery is often the best chance for a patient to reach their weight loss goals.
Type 2 diabetes and the Spatz Gastric Balloon
So what does the gastric balloon have to do with weight loss with type 2 diabetes? Let us explain. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, the Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon is the right choice for you. While falling under the category of surgery, the Spatz3 is actually a non-surgical procedure performed in an outpatient center. While under conscious sedation, the balloon will be implanted endoscopically, meaning there are no incisions and no hospitalization required; you’ll be walking out the door within an hour!
The Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon maintains the highest weight loss results and the highest overall success rates on the market. As the only adjustable gastric balloon, we proudly boast 85% success rates and 53.6% excess weight loss! In addition to our incredible weight loss numbers, the Spatz3 will help you develop healthy eating habits to keep you looking your best long after the balloon is removed. Over 70,000 bariatric patients have trusted the Spatz3 to help them meet their weight loss goals and lower their risk of significant medical issues… will you be next?
You can see more tips on how to lose weight with type 2 diabetes on our blog.
