Taking off those extra pounds is a challenge for anyone. Still, if you have diabetes, it can be one of the best things you can do for yourself. If you're overweight, even a small loss can make a significant contribution to your overall health.

You may be tempted to go it alone, but it's important to involve your healthcare team in your weight loss efforts. By working with your doctor and a registered dietitian, you'll be able to:

•   Restrict calories while still eating the foods you really like.
•   Alter insulin or medications appropriately.
•   Take on goals you can achieve.

If you have type 1 diabetes, this is especially important, because losing weight involves virtually every aspect of your self-care program, from your meal plan and activity level to your insulin.