Few people grasp the huge effect that weight has on diabetes. Even instances of gestational diabetes are much greater in patients that are overweight than in those that are not. Type 2, or adult onset diabetes is usually seen in overweight people than those that are within their 'ideal' weight ranges. In fact, almost 90% of those with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. If you are suffering from Type 2 diabetes, your best approach is to start getting your weight under control.

Among patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes almost 40% have high blood pressure, which is another ailment that is thought to be made worse by obesity. Being overweight might also lead to a condition known as insulin resistance where the body no stops responding to the insulin that is needed to aid the body in using sugar and glucose as fuel on a cellular level.

There are some self-help measures you can employ if you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or labeled at risk for the condition. First of all, lose the excess pounds. Yes, this is much easier said than done. Dieting is never easy and certainly not fun for most people. However, if you do not begin to take major action toward finding a way to get yourself into the best possible health chances are you will not enjoy the quality of life you’ve hoped for.

Take matters into your own hands. Don’t allow diabetes to control your life. This is a fight to the finish and if you let it, diabetes will be your end. If you start taking appropriate action, lose the weight, get up and exercise, listen to your doctor's advice and do the work required. You'll be amazed at what happens when you decide to stand up and fight for your health.

Get active. Find activities that you enjoy and get out there and do them. Don't make those activities passive activities either. Even if it's just going out to play shuffleboard everyday get out there and play. Enjoy your time in the sun. Start walking around your neighborhood. Take up golf. Do whatever it takes to get up and moving each and every day.

You are what you eat. Once diagnosed with diabetes, your dietary requirements change and you must follow them to the letter. Learn to live within those limits in order to enjoy life to the fullest. You’ll find that there are all kinds of foods available that are friendly to those with diabetes that weren't around just a few years ago. It is quite possible to live and eat quite nicely with diabetes if you stick to your plan.

The most important thing about dieting with diabetes is that you never lose sight of how crucial it is to do so. This disease can take over your entire life and destroy your hope for a long, happy, healthy life. Take control today by starting a healthy eating and exercise regimen.