It is also interesting to know Type 2 diabetics usually reverse their symptoms in the order they developed them. If weight was gained before developing high blood sugar levels, then it is almost certain blood sugar levels will need to be lowered before their excess weight will disappear.

But is it as easy for a diabetic to lose weight as it is a non-diabetic? In other words, does having Type 2 diabetes make it harder to lose weight?

First of all, a diabetic should never place themselves on a "diet" or "eating plan" until they have consulted with their doctor. Since cases vary, what may work well for one person with Type 2 diabetes could be hazardous to the health of another. Your doctor can help you determine the best type of weight loss plan you can follow safely.

Next, it should be noted that weight loss is not the same for everyone. Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight knows the aggravation it involves. But a diabetic losing weight is different from a non-diabetic. Diabetics even lose weight at a different pace to another diabetic.

That's because losing weight for a diabetic isn't as easy as simply reducing calories (or kilojoules). For them, a calorie of one type of food might not metabolize the same way a different food type calorie might. Protein calories may be burned at a faster, or slower, rate than calories from starches or carbs.

Diabetics are at a disadvantage when going on a diet. Most diets involve an increase in carbs, which also increases the amount of insulin released into the bloodstream. Since blood insulin levels increase weight gain, this can make it rather difficult for a diabetic to lose weight the conventional way.

For this reason, diabetics looking to lose weight are often advised to follow an eating plan based on the glycemic index. This is going to serve a two-fold purpose:

    * first, it will mandate a reasonable eating plan based on foods helpful to reversing Type 2 diabetes,
    * second, by eliminating poor food choices it will automatically help with weight loss.

Doctors usually encourage their patients to lose approximately 1 to 2 pounds (.5 to 1 kilogram) a week. An individual who is obese could start out losing more than that amount without even trying hard... but eventually their body will adjust and the loss will be more reasonable as time goes on. Trying fad diets in order to quickly lose massive amounts of weight are not only dangerous, but is an unrealistic approach. You might drop a lot of weight quickly, but without employing the right tactics, it won't stay off. The key is to change the habits that made you overweight in the first place.

Generally, a weight loss plan is safe and reliable if it:

    * teaches you about the correct food portions,
    * informs you what calories (kilojoules) are and how many you need daily,
    * teaches you about nutrition so you are aware of the benefits for a lifetime,
    * provides you with reliable support,
    * includes your favorite foods,
    * teaches you how to read a food label,
    * provides you with a wide variety of foods to choose from,
    * includes exercise as part of the weight loss plan,
    * gives information on realistic goal setting,
    * encourages you to lose approximately 1 to 2 pounds a week,
    * takes into account your specific health issues.

Don't forget to monitor all aspects of your health, including your blood pressure and blood sugar, not just your weight.

By Beverleigh H Piepers