Overview
This is how staggering the rise of obesity has become: according to the Surgeon General's office, the number of obese or overweight adults in this country is 50% higher than it was just a decade ago. Recent studies have projected that 1/3 of the children born in 2000 will develop Type 2 Diabetes, which was once commonly referred to as adult-onset Diabetes and is primarily driven by excessive weight. And perhaps most unsettling of all: over the last ten years the number of deaths directly related to obesity-inspired diseased has increased by 33%.
Obesity contributes to Diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. Diabetes leads to an increased risk of heart disease, blindness, limb amputation, and kidney problems. The close relationship between excessive weight and Diabetes is undeniable. Which is why it's so important for those who are either pre-Diabetes or have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes to monitor their body mass index.
Key Information
What is your body mass index (BMI)? It's an easily calculated number which tells you the percentage of your of body weight that consists of fat. Although this number is not 100% on-the-money perfect, especially when the calculation is based solely on height and weight, it's a good ball park figure. Certainly good enough to use as a guide if you're trying to lose weight. Other factors that are normally taken into consideration are sex and age.
The most accurate way to determine your body mass index is by working with your doctor. Not only can he offer you some additional insights into the meaning of the number, he can advise you on how best to start losing weight.
What You Need to Know
However, if you'd like to get a quick peek at where you fall in the BMI scale, there are a number of online calculators you can use. The quickest path to a calculator is by doing a search for the term "BMI" or "body mass index." Either will do. But if you're in even more of a hurry, can try one of these:
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: <a href="http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/">http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/</a> Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/index.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/index.htm</a>
After you've determined your BMI number, you'll want to know what it means. As a rough guideline for adults a BMI of less than 20 implies underweight, over 25 is overweight, and over 30 is obese. For a more specific idea of where you fall in the index, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute provides a complete Body Mass Index Table for your convenience. You can find it here: <a href="http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/bmi_tbl.htm">http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/bmi_tbl.htm</a>
The bottom line: if you're overweight, you're in danger of developing Diabetes. This dreadful disease is nearly silent, yet it can cause kidney failure, heart damage, strokes, even the loss of limbs to amputation. This is why it's so important to keep a close eye on your weight and particularly your body mass index.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how is it managed?
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly. Management involves a combination of medication, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring. Type 1 requires insulin therapy, while Type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes plus oral medications or insulin.
❓ Can lifestyle changes reverse Type 2 diabetes?
For many people, significant weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet, and regular exercise can put Type 2 diabetes into remission - meaning blood sugar returns to normal without medication. This is not a cure, but sustained lifestyle change can dramatically improve outcomes and delay complications.
❓ What foods should people with diabetes limit?
People with diabetes benefit from limiting refined sugars, white bread, sugary drinks, processed foods, and high-glycaemic-index carbohydrates. Focus instead on non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Portion control and consistent meal timing are equally important.
❓ How often should blood sugar be checked?
Frequency depends on type and treatment. Those on insulin may check 4-10 times daily. Those managing with diet or oral medication might check once or twice daily, or less. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) provides real-time data without finger-prick testing. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
❓ When should someone see a doctor about diabetes?
See a doctor if you experience unexplained thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or persistent fatigue. Those already diagnosed should have check-ups every 3-6 months for HbA1c, blood pressure, kidney function, eye exams, and foot checks.