Losing weight is not always easy. But understanding how critical weight loss may be to both preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes is a step in the right direction. Here are some essential tools to get you started. Remember, slow and steady wins this race.

Losing Excess Weight Can Improve Blood Sugar Control
People who carry excess body weight have extra fatty tissue. This fatty tissue produces substances that are thought to interfere with the body's ability to control blood sugar levels. This may contribute to insulin resistance, the condition in which the body must produce higher-than-normal levels of insulin to move sugar out of the bloodstream and into cells. With insulin resistance, the following processes can occur:

• Disruption in the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells
• Stimulation of insulin secretion so that there is too much insulin produced
• Increased production of glucose by the liver, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels

Moving Toward a Healthier Lifestyle

Losing weight is really about changing your lifestyle rather than dieting. With a diet, most people lose weight only to gain it back when they resume their previous lifestyle.

A great way to get started on your lifestyle change is to enroll in one of our diabetes plans and then follow the meal plan suggested for you on this site. This meal plan includes:

• High fiber: A meal plan high in fiber helps fill you up and makes you feel satisfied with fewer calories.
• Three meals and two snacks: Spreading food out over the entire day helps you avoid those hungry moments that can lead to unplanned snacking.
• Recommended portions of meat, fish, and poultry: Enjoying 3 to 4 ounces of protein-rich foods naturally lowers fat intake, especially saturated fat.

Making Weight Loss a Lifestyle

• Adopt the "today is tomorrow" belief: That's right, today is the "tomorrow" you've been talking about. Just do it!
• Love yourself today: Don't wait until the scale records that perfect number or until you fit into a certain size of clothes. Start liking yourself now and you will stay motivated to reach your healthy weight goal.
• Enjoy every bite: Become a student of healthy cooking; try the recipes you find here in your meal plan, and invest in a good cookbook. Also, take the time to use fresh herbs, marinate fish and chicken, and discover a delicious salad dressing. Love every bite you eat and you will stay motivated to eat much less.
• Work exercise into your life: Every little bit counts and exercise isn't only found in a gym. Choose a more distant parking spot or take the stairs.