Managing Diabetes with Weight Loss Programs in Colorado
Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, it can be a life-altering condition that requires management on a daily basis. This management can involve specific diets and exercise, and in some cases medication. But one of the best ways to manage diabetes is to lose extra weight; even just a few pounds can help improve your general health and your blood sugar level. In fact, weight loss programs in Colorado are a natural option to help with managing diabetes in the long term, as well as preventing other health issues in the future.
About Diabetes
In order to manage your diabetes, it is important to understand how the condition works and what is happening in your body. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is the main source of energy in the body, and comes from the food you eat; a hormone called insulin helps glucose move into the cells for energy. When the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or doesn’t use insulin properly, the glucose stays in the blood and never reaches your cells. Over time, the excess glucose in your blood can lead to a variety of health problems.
Diabetes has two main forms: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not make insulin due to an immune system that attacks the pancreas, stopping the creation of the hormone. This is usually a problem present from birth or childhood and cannot be reversed. Instead, a type 1 diabetes patient relies on daily doses of insulin to survive.
Type 2 diabetes can occur at any time in life and is usually seen in middle age or older people. It can be brought on by environmental or health factors and is more common than type 1. Some cases of type 2 diabetes mean insulin isn’t produced, but it can also mean insulin is used improperly by the body.
How Weight Loss Impacts Diabetes
Diabetes is intrinsically tied to diet as it has to do with the processing of food in the body. The key to managing diabetes through diet is striking a balance between carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Carbohydrates are the main factor in this scenario, and cuttings carbs is the best way to lose weight. Carbohydrates cause the pancreas to release insulin, so you should choose ones that don’t make your blood sugar spike, like high fiber produce and whole grains. Pastries and white bread can be problematic.
While lowering daily calories may be a part of your weight loss program in Colorado, it should not be done at the expense of protein intake. Protein helps you to maintain muscle, which allows you to maximize your potential to burn calories. Additionally, you need some fat to be present in your diet, with a focus on unsaturated fats like those in nuts, avocado, and fish.
When you weigh less, your pancreas has an easier time keeping up with your body’s needs for insulin. In addition to healthy choices being good for your diabetes, lower weight can also restore blood sugar levels, or at least lower them.
Nutrition Counseling in Broomfield Colorado
Many people struggle with weight loss even under the best of circumstances. With diabetes, it becomes about your health, and diets should be focused on long-term habits rather than immediate weight loss. The guidance of professionals who understand both diabetes and general nutrition can lead to better results. At Fox Integrated Healthcare, we offer a comprehensive weight loss program paired with ongoing nutrition coaching. This program is designed to help you lose weight, but also to understand healthy eating habits and how they impact your diabetes.
In addition to managing diabetes, our weight loss program in Colorado is also designed to increase energy levels, improve cardiovascular health, and reduction in inflammation throughout the body. These aspects of overall health also allow the body to function better.
If you are suffering from diabetes or searching for a weight loss program in Colorado, the chiropractors at Fox Integrated Health will work with you to achieve long-term success. All programs are based on your body’s individual needs and how your body responds to certain nutrients and food groups. Contact us today to begin crafting your personalized plan!