Those individuals who suffer from Type II diabetes deal with the fact that their blood sugar levels are above normal. This can be a very serious health issue, which has been known to lead to coronary heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, amputation, and blindness. In 2002, diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Type II diabetes is the most common type. More than 85 percent of those who suffer from Type II diabetes are overweight, which is why it is important for those who are already overweight to loose weight and for those who do not currently have a weight issue to maintain a healthy weight.
Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight can help lower a person's risk of developing Type II diabetes in the first place or for those who already currently suffer from the disease it can help control blood sugar levels and prevent or delay other known complications associated with the disease.
Losing weight and exercising can also help a person with Type II diabetes to lower the amount of medication that they must take to control their diabetes. For those who need to loose weight it is so important that they do so. They can do this by striking a balance between blood glucose levels and levels of carbohydrates, fats and proteins eaten in their diet.
For a person with diabetes choosing healthy foods is not only important, it is a life or death decision. A diabetic diet is low in saturated fats, cholesterol and simple sugars. Diabetics are encouraged to eat green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and proteins but to limit fruit intake, which contains many natural sugars.
With diabetes becoming an epidemic and obesity one of the key factors in the majority of those who suffer from the disease it is extremely important for those at risk to maintain a healthy weight and for those who are already suffering to watch their weight and try to develop a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise.
