Photo from Unsplash.com
Weight management can be a significant challenge for people with diabetes. Studies show that excess weight can make body cells more resistant to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, leading to elevated glucose levels. Reducing excess weight is, therefore, essential for diabetics, as it can improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. In fact, studies show that losing 5-7% of your body weight is enough to minimize the risk of diabetes by 58% in individuals who have a high risk of the disease.
In the United States, nearly half of the population has diabetes or pre-diabetes. This is a condition where blood sugar levels are high but not elevated enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis. Such data highlights the need for diabetic weight management. Fortunately, with innovations in diabetic management, there are now more ways for diabetics to manage their weight and curtail the accompanying risks of their chronic condition.
Customized diabetic weight loss programs
Managing weight alone can be an overwhelming experience, especially for people with diabetes who may have special dietary needs or conditions. For a more effective weight management routine, diabetics can now subscribe to a diabetic weight loss program from WeightWatchers. This customized approach lets users follow a healthier diet through the Nutrient-Dense ZeroPoint food recommendations to manage weight and blood glucose levels, monitor blood sugar, and connect with a support group. This can help people with diabetes who struggle with fad diets find a tailored approach to lose and manage their weight.
This customized program can help boost weight management efforts through expert guidance and a supportive community. Additionally, having easy access to a science-backed approach can yield more effective results, allowing diabetics to find the weight management approach that best fits their needs.
More accessible medications for blood sugar and weight management
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are a standard treatment for diabetes and for reducing excess weight. These drugs help manage blood sugar by triggering the pancreas to release more insulin. They also aid weight loss by activating gut receptors to slow down stomach emptying and brain receptors to curb appetite. While these prescription medications are effective for diabetic weight management, they can also be expensive, with costs ranging from $936 to $1,349 in the US.
This year, Teva Pharmaceuticals launched the first-ever generic GLP-1 diabetes drug, which means diabetics can now access these drugs at a lower cost to manage their condition. These generic drugs have reduced research costs, making them cheaper than their branded counterparts. Thanks to efforts to make these drugs affordable, diabetes patients can now easily access medications that help manage their blood sugar and weight.
AI-powered solutions
Today, diabetic patients can also maximize artificial intelligence to help monitor their blood sugar, weight, and overall health. The development of AI-powered applications has allowed people with diabetes to access recommendations for lifestyle changes based on real-time glucose readings. For instance, the Nudge app uses an AI algorithm to predict when a diabetes patient is about to experience a blood sugar spike in the next 30 minutes and provides a personalized physical exercise to avoid this glucose spike. The GlucoseZone app also provides guided exercises at home to help promote weight loss and manage blood sugar levels based on real-time glucose readings. Since physical activities can also increase blood glucose levels, it’s best to consult with a doctor regarding the appropriate exercises for diabetic patients to avoid further complications.
Managing weight is an essential practice that can help people with diabetes prioritize their wellness and improve their quality of life. With these latest innovations, diabetics can now enjoy accessible and effective approaches to successful weight management.
