Getting healthy is necessary to live a long life.

I have type 1 diabetes. Because foods high in carbs and sugars will spike your blood sugar, it's best to stick with a diet that focuses on foods which are low on the Glycemic Index. Low carb diets (like South Beach) are also good simply because low carb foods tend to have a lower GI. However, this is not always true. For example, a dried apple has 36 carbs per serving while a raw apple has only 16 carbs per serving. A raw apple is 40 GI where a dried apple is only 29 GI. Thus, the dried apple won't spike your blood sugar as much as a raw apple will. However, both raw and dried apples are considered a low GI food (under 55). I have followed the South Beach diet and have found that it works quite well. But, to be honest, following the basic food pyramid or eating the proper calories and carbs set forth by your dietician (typically, when carb counting) are good as well. If you are using a dietician, be sure they know you are trying to loose weight so they know not to set your calories/