Weight Management
Why?
Obesity contributes to the onset of type 2 diabetes and diabetes complications. Being overweight also seriously increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Reaching and maintaining healthy weight will help you control blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure, and cut your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Eat well
Aim for an energy-restricted, well-balanced diet that is high in fibre and low in dietary cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fatty acids, and refined carbohydrates. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian.
Get active
Almost everyone, whether or not they have diabetes, will benefit from regular exercise. The many proven benefits of being physically fit include:
- Lower rates of illness and death
- Higher rates of weight loss (and the ability to keep it off)
- Better heart and lung fitness
- Better blood pressure control
- Better lipid profile (lipids are fats in the blood such as cholesterol)
- Stronger bones and better balance
- Reduced stress and depression
- Improved mental skills
- Lower rates of heart disease, stroke, cancer and dementia
- More energy
- Higher self-esteem