Try to avoid losing weight too quickly. A slow and steady loss following a change in habits is better than a quick loss caused by dramatically cutting down your food intake. Aim for about 1-3 kg (2-6 lb) per month. It may not sound like much, but adds up to quite a lot over a year. If you are overweight, losing five to ten per cent of your body weight should make your diabetes much easier to manage.

No matter how hard changing your lifestyle seems, it is worth it for the sake of your long-term health. Remember, even a little weight loss can promote great improvements in your glucose control, blood pressure and other risk factors linked to long-term complications associated with diabetes. Speak to your diabetes healthcare team for further advice and tips for losing weight.

Exercise

You might not be very keen on joining a gym or exercise class, but this kind of exercise programme is likely to have swift results. If the gym isn't for you, it can be amazing how much extra physical activity you can incorporate into your daily routine when you put your mind to it. Try walking instead of driving, getting off the bus one stop earlier and using the stairs instead of the lift. Gardening is another efficient way to burn energy. If you have a garden big enough for a vegetable patch, you can discover a passion for healthy eating and exercise at the same time.

Diet

Changing your diet is an important part of a weight loss programme. However, you need to be aware that when you reduce your food intake you can run the risk of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia). If this happens, you will need to eat to reverse the situation. There are lots of diets to choose from and it can be confusing which one to go for. Speak to your diabetes healthcare team and ask to see a dietician. They will be able to guide you through some different diets to find the best one for you and your diabetes.