Study: To Control Weight- Diabetes Play By The Rules

New research shows that controlling weight and blood sugar may require nothing more than learning how to play by the rules . Here's what you need to know. By Colette Bouchez


Let’s face it …doctors are generally not the most engaging conversationalists. At least not when they’re behind that desk droning on and on about how you need to eat more broccoli, fewer donuts, do more push ups, watch less TV, an in general do and eat more of what you hate and less of what you love.

Which is one reason why so many people report they “zone out” when talking to their doctor – and don’t really take to heart, or even remember, much of what is said.

That, combined with the fact that most of us don’t really believe that one more custard filled donut or one more tub of fried chicken is really going to kill us, means many of us walk away from that doctor’s appointment barely changing a thing about our daily lives.

The end result: Our weight continues to climb, our blood sugars rage out of control, and our risk for even greater health problems – like heart disease and even cancer – continues to rise.

So what’s the answer? Well one new study shows it could be as simple as learning to play by the rules.

In short, actually pay attention to not only your doctor - but the organizations she is basing her recommendations on, like the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association. Indeed, as simple as it sounds, a new study shows that doing so can make a huge difference in not only controlling your weight and your blood sugar, but maybe even saving your life.

Playing By The Rules
The new research was conducted at North Carolina’s Structure House, the nation’s only in-patient facility for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. In this instance, some 70 patients, all of whom were overweight and on medication for type II diabetes, signed on for a 4 week residency program that is, well, a lot like having your doctor as a roommate 24/7.

More specifically, the 70 men and women spent the 4 weeks immersed in learning about – and practicing - good nutrition, daily exercise, and discovering how to deal with the impact of stress and emotion on blood sugar and weight. They also saw diabetes educators, nurses, and doctors for daily and weekly visits to help follow their progress and reinforce what they learned - and put into practice.

The end result: All 70 patients came away with significant improvements in their health – in just four weeks.

“On average, individuals lost nearly 16 pounds and reduced their blood glucose level by 11% and their hemoglobin A1c level from 7.5% down to 6.9%, below the American Diabetes Association’s recommended level,” said lead researcher Dr. Anna Stout.

Some of the patients, says Stout were even able to get off their type II diabetes medications, or reduce the amount they were taking. Indeed, 41 % of the individuals eliminated at least one diabetes medication and 29% reduced the dosage of one or more drugs. And remember, this didn't take a year, or even six months. It took just 4 weeks.

Experts say there is also no question that if the patients stay on track, they will continue to reduce their risks of other health concerns as well, including heart disease and even cancer.

The Take Home Message
While no one is saying that accomplishing any of this is easy - or even fun. But what matters is that it's tolerable and doable. Even without that pricey stay in a in-patient facility.

Where do you begin?

The next time your doctor hands over that sheet of paper with the foods you should and should not eat – pay attention, and change your diet. Ditto when she tells you to get more sleep, exercise 20 minutes a day, and take some serous steps to reduce stress in your life, or at least your reaction to that stress.

In short, live and play by the good health golden “rules” – and you too just might see a remarkable change in your health, and in your future - before your next hair-tearing mortgage payment is due. And you won’t have to bunk in with your doctor to do it!

You might also enjoy reading:
New Study: Weight Gain Shocker
Study: For Weight Loss Good Timing Means Everything
or vist RedDressDiary.com : The Destination for Health & Beauty for Women Over 40!