If you’re not sure the effort to lose weight is worth it, consider this: Your weight can either cause diabetes or prevent it. An essential part of diabetes management is weight loss, so Kashif Latif, MD, and the team at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center in Bartlett, Tennessee, offer ongoing nutrition education and weight-loss support for patients and non-patients. Their staff of diabetes educators and nutritionists are certified and follow the American Diabetes Association guidelines in recommending medical nutritional therapy. To schedule a consultation, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

Weight Loss Q&A

How does being overweight affect my health?

Beyond the physical strain on your body, especially your joints, extra weight has a negative biochemical effect on your body. That’s because your fat cells also have an active endocrine function. They produce hormones that regulate your metabolism, as well as other biochemicals that cause inflammation and other problems throughout your body.

Being overweight increases your risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, kidney disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Your weight also has a direct association with diabetes.

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How does my weight affect diabetes?

Your weight is a strong factor when it comes to causing and preventing Type 2 diabetes. Being overweight causes changes in cells that trigger insulin resistance. 

When you’re insulin resistant, your body can’t use the insulin that’s produced. As a result, sugar stays in your blood, raising blood glucose to dangerously high levels while also depriving your cells of the sugar they need to produce energy. On the other hand, losing weight can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy body weight is such an important factor in preventing and controlling diabetes that it’s an integral part of your diabetes management plan at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center.

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How do you help me with nutrition and weight loss?

The team at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center includes a staff of diabetes educators and nutritionists who are well-versed in setting calorie guidelines, meal planning, and overall diet control to help you lose weight.

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Their nutrition and weight-loss specialists and the medical nutrition therapy they offer are available for patients and people with diabetes who don’t get their care at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center.

The team supports the American Diabetes Association’s recommendations that all patients with diabetes have an annual session with their diabetes educator or nutritionist. During this visit, they review your nutrition therapy, verify you’re reaching your goals, and determine if your medication dosage is optimal.

At AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, your nutrition therapy options include:

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• Low-glycemic index diet

• American Diabetes Association diet

• Carbohydrate counting (basic and advanced)

• Gluten-free diet for celiac disease and gluten intolerance

• Hypoallergenic diets

• Renal diet for kidney support 

• Whole food plant-based diet

Patients and nonpatients who need nutrition support to manage diabetes and lose weight can get the help they need at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.