Obesity and diabetes mellitus (especially type 2) both stem from poor eating habits that contain too many calories, making dietary counseling and an appropriate eating regimen an integral component of treatment for both conditions.
An essential dietary plan for those living with diabetes consists of making food decisions to conform with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate provided by the U.S. Branch of Agriculture. The primary objective is reducing fats such as saturated and trans fat, cholesterol and sodium intake through diet alone; additionally physical exercise must also be increased.
An approach of gradual to direct weight reduction of 5-10% can provide additional improvements for diabetes control in these patients. As such, those living with diabetes are encouraged to decrease calorie consumption by 250-500kcal per day and increase energy use through regular physical activity in order to further control diabetes.
