Radical Weight Loss: Fifty Percent of All Americans with Diabetes

A recent online report from CNN Health predicts that more than half of all Americans will have developed diabetes or prediabetes within the next 10 years. "The United States of Daibetes: Challenges and Opportunities in the Decade Ahead" was released this week in conjunction with National Diabetes Awareness month which occurs each November. The report concludes that over 155 million folks will be affected with this illness over the course of the next decade.

Put another way, a full 10 percent of all money spent on health care and health care related services will be used in the treatment of diabetes and diabetes related illness. That's 500 billion dollars spent on diabetes by the end of the decade. Those figures are simply unacceptable to most health care providers and doctors. Diabetes is definitely an avoidable condition for most people. Overweight folks need to lose weight, start eating better, and taking the condition of their health more seriously.

Health Assessment as a First Step to Weight Loss

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is currently one of the fastest growing diseases in the U.S. affecting about 26 million people. It is currently estimated that about one-third of all children born since the year 200 will likely develop diabetes at some point in their lifetimes. That means these kids will suffer more health problems like heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and even amputation.

Weight loss is vital, but before starting any weight loss plan, you need to get with your doctor or medical professional and work closely with them. These professionals can help you assess your current health condition, determine any risky behaviors which you may need to change, and get you going on the road to a lifetime of healthy living. You're going to need to monitor your blood sugar, diet, and insulin levels plus you'll need a health care professional to help you work out a plan to make any future changes. You may even need to be on some sort of medication to help control your diabetes and that means you'll need to work closely with a doctor. In any case, check with your doctor before beginning any weight loss diet, or fitness plan.

Lose Weight by Eating Better

Depending upon your situation, you may be able to lower your risk for developing diabetes or prediabetes through a simple change in diet. The important thing here is closely monitoring your blood sugar levels. Keeping a tight control on blood sugar levels throughout the entire weight loss process. Your doctor or health care professional will be a great help with this.

Make a goal to start by cutting 500 calories a day from your current diet. Cut calories from all foods, not just the fatty foods or sweet desserts, including carbohydrates, protein, and fat. According to American Diabetic Association spokeswoman Dr. Christine Gerbstadt, people with diabetes should maintain a healthy ratio of carbs (about 50 to 55%), fats (about 30%), and protein (about 10 to 15%).

If you can lose just 10 to 15 pounds, your blood sugar level will be lowered, blood pressure reduced, and cholesterol levels will be improved. All of these will lower your risk factor for developing diabetes, or even eliminate the need for insulin on those who already have diabetes. A study released by the National Institutes of Health in 2001 reported that a combination of diet and exercise can cut the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 58 percent. Start today by consulting with your doctor, a diabetes educator, or a dietician/nutritionist. Find out what you need to do in order to prevent becoming one of the 50 percent of Americans who will develop diabetes over the next 10 years.

This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided herein is of a general nature and should not be substituted as advice from a qualified medical professional.

Sources:

"Diabetes or prediabetes predicted for half of Americans by 2020"

"Diabetes and Weight Loss"