Diabetes management is all about maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Your body weight significantly impacts blood sugar because excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can contribute to insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance makes it harder for your body to use insulin effectively, increasing your risk of high blood sugar and glucose spikes. The good news is that reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can improve blood sugar control and make it easier to manage your diabetes.
Our team at Endocrine Associates of West Village specializes in diabetes management and weight loss, and with our expertise, you don’t have to navigate losing weight with diabetes alone. Read on to learn more about how your weight affects diabetes and how achieving a healthy weight can simplify management.
Your body weight affects how well your body regulates glucose, or sugar from the food you eat. Glucose is your body’s primary fuel source, and insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose from your bloodstream into cells for use or storage.
Excess weight, particularly visceral fat around your organs, can interfere with how your body processes insulin and how your cells respond to it. Ineffective insulin can lead to glucose buildup in your blood and higher blood sugar levels, which increases your risk of diabetes complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues.
Losing just 5-10% of your body weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for your body to regulate glucose levels naturally. Plus, weight loss can also help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels — all of which contribute to better diabetes management.
Better blood sugar control is one of the biggest benefits of losing weight if you have diabetes, but it’s not the only benefit. Working toward a healthy weight can improve your overall well-being in several ways, including:
It’s worth reiterating: losing weight makes it easier to control your blood sugar. Less body fat means your cells can respond better to insulin, reducing blood glucose spikes and lowering your risk of diabetes complications.
For some people, losing weight has such a positive impact on blood sugar control that they’re able to lower their medication doses.
Carrying less weight reduces strain on your joints and muscles, making daily activities easier and more enjoyable.
Both diabetes and obesity increase your risk of heart disease. Since weight loss can help improve your heart health and lower cholesterol and blood pressure, it can also lower your risk of heart disease and related complications.
Losing weight on your own can be challenging, especially when managing a chronic condition like diabetes. That’s where our neXendo wellness program comes in. Our team is experienced in managing diabetes, and we understand the unique challenges that people with diabetes have when working toward healthy weights.
NeXendo is a comprehensive program that combines endocrinology, nutrition counseling, and personal training to help you achieve lasting weight loss. It starts with a thorough health check, during which we assess your metabolic health, blood sugar levels, and weight loss goals to create a personalized plan.
Our registered dietitians help you make healthier food choices while considering your lifestyle, preferences, and dietary needs. Lastly, your personal trainer designs a safe and effective workout plan to help you burn fat and build strength.
Weight loss is a powerful tool for managing diabetes, and you don’t have to do it alone. By combining medical expertise with customized nutrition and fitness support, neXendo makes it easier to lose weight healthily and sustainably.
Get started with a consultation at Endocrine Associates of West Village in Brooklyn, Long Island City, and New York, New York. Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online now.
