Diabetes and Body Mass Index

What does body weight tell about health risks? Body Mass Index (BMI) is based on weight and height and used as an indicator for obesity. A healthy BMI is 18.5 to 24.9. A BMI of 25 or above is associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. To calculate your BMI choose one of the following methods:

• Visit http://GlucoMenu.com and fill out the profile information for your BMI, or
  
• English version = [wt. in lbs divided by ht. in inches divided by ht. in inches (again)] x 703, or
  
• Metric version = [wt. in kg divided by ht in meters squared].
  

While Body Mass Index compares well to body fat, it is not a body fat reading. Other measures should be taken to assess body fat.

Diabetes & Exercise

Everyone knows exercise is a good idea. Many have thought of all the excuses of why not to exercise - maybe due to time limitations or not knowing where to start or perhaps the idea of sweating. Instead, focus on how exercise can help!

What are the benefits of exercise for someone with diabetes?

• Diabetes - Regular exercise can be very helpful to those who have diabetes. Those with type 2 diabetes often see improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity from exercise.
• Pre-Diabetes - Exercise can help to prevent or delay onset of type 2 diabetes. In a recent study, those with Pre-Diabetes who implemented lifestyle changes including exercising 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week, reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 58% (DPP study).
• Weight loss - Possibly the most obvious benefit! Weight loss can improve your sensitivity to insulin which ultimately helps you better control diabetes. If your doctor has talked about weight loss, exercise can help you to do this. Exercise increases calories burned which helps to reduce body weight.

You can learn more by visiting the following link:

http://glucomenu.com/articles/diabetes_exercise.htm

ABCs of Diabetes

A few simple tests can help you to assess your diabetes management efforts.

• A1c test reveals what your average blood sugar has been running over the past 3 months. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends striving for an A1c of less than 7% for those with diabetes.
• Blood pressure indicates risk for heart disease when elevated. The ADA recommends a blood pressure less than 130/80 for those with diabetes.
• Cholesterol that is commonly called the bad cholesterol is known as LDL cholesterol. This bad cholesterol increases risk for heart disease. The ADA recommends a LDL cholesterol level below 100 mg/dl for those with diabetes.
  
  Ask for these tests at your next doctor visit to size up how you are doing with diabetes management.

You can get a free diabetes profile by visiting the following link:
http://www.glucomenu.com