Weight Loss and Diabetes

It’s American Diabetes Month, and at Goldsmith Podiatry, we’re concerned about the increase in this disease for our Manhattan patients. Over 34 million Americans currently have diabetes, and more than another 88 million have prediabetes, and 1.5 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed annually. One factor that can reduce your risk of developing diabetes and help control diabetes is losing weight. If you’re overweight or obese and have struggled with losing weight before, here are some tips to consider.

Avoid Fad Diets

With all the many different approaches to weight loss out there, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out the best way for you. Most quick weight loss programs often end up with patients quickly gaining back the weight as well. Rather than dieting, look to change your overall eating habits to something that you can live with that will still enable you to achieve and maintain an appropriate weight.

Set Achievable Goals

Deciding you will lose 30 pounds can be daunting, and you may find you want to give up quickly because it seems so far out of reach. Instead, start with 5 or 10 pounds and celebrate when you reach that milestone. Then set a new goal and keep going.

Learn Your Emotional Triggers

What sends you to the cabinet for a bag of potato chips or the freezer for the half-gallon of ice cream? Is it fear, sadness, anxiety, a big presentation coming up at work, a fight with your spouse? Write down what triggers your emotional eating and at least three things you can do instead.

Find More Ways to Move

Exercise can increase weight loss and has other benefits that will help prevent diabetes, like improving circulation. If you’re not ready to commit to an exercise program, find an active pursuit you will enjoy, like dancing or hiking. Look for ways to build more steps into your days, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from stores or your office.

Stay Accountable

Weigh yourself regularly and record foods and calories you are consuming. Get a pedometer or fitness watch that keeps track of your steps. Tangible ways of monitoring your actions and results are more likely to result in success.

If you would like more information on preventing diabetes, don’t hesitate to contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 and speaking with our podiatrist, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff.