Weight Loss in Diabetes
Metabolic Health
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Diabetes Weight Loss

Weight loss is a sensitive issue for patients who have diabetes. Losing weight can help to maintain insulin resistance in the body or inject insulin to work properly in the body; that is why weight loss in diabetes is important. In type 1 diabetes, weight loss can help reduce or minimize heart disease complications, and less insulin injection will be needed. And in type 2 diabetes, losing weight can offer real benefits. There can be a life-changing possibility that diabetes can be put into remission. Most patients with diabetes say that weight loss helps them sleep better, stay active, and have more energy. Having a low-carb diet plan can efficiently help to reduce weight in diabetes. Doing exercise for a few minutes daily, running, and jogging can also help lose weight. Also know how to get freedom from diabetes?

Unexpected Weight Loss 

Unexpected weight loss in type 1 diabetes is more common than unexpected weight loss in type 1 diabetes. Unexpected weight loss occurs when cells in the body do not get enough sugar or glucose, which results in a starving body. Then the body finds another way to have energy and compensate for it. The body starts creating energy by burning muscles as well as fats at a rapid pace. This results in unexpected weight loss. In this case, the kidney also works excessively or overtime to eliminate excess glucose in the blood. Patients can consult with their doctor when they have lost 5% of their usual weight. Read more about medications for diabetes.

Benefits of Weight Loss for Diabetes 

Losing weight can have a beneficial impact on patients with diabetes. The following reasons will tell you why weight loss in diabetes is effective.

Insulin resistance can decrease with loss in weight. The body can become more sensitive to insulin as there is a reduction in inflammatory responses in the muscles. 

Since insulin sensitivity is improved by losing weight, better results in A1C tests are noticed. 

Diabetes and heart trouble are linked. Patients with diabetes often suffer from high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol levels. High blood pressure can result in damaged artery walls and high LDL cholesterol. But lowering blood sugar levels can help reduce the risks of heart complications and lower LDL cholesterol levels.

When physical inactiveness increases, mobility-related issues also increase. The good news is that by weight loss, patients with diabetes can do day-to-day activities more easily, improve their mobility, and stay active. 

Weight loss can make the mood good. It can also improve self-confidence and mental health. It boosts their motivation to fight against diabetes and stay healthy. That's why weight loss in diabetes is a good initiative. Read more about diabetes program.

Diabetes Medication Induced Weight Loss

There are certain medications to treat diabetes that also help in reducing weight, including:

GLP-1 agonists: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1 RAs are medications that are often suggested to patients who have diabetes. They are very effective to reduce blood sugar. They might also help in losing weight. Examples of these medications are semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide extended-release, dulaglutide, etc.

Metformin: It is a commonly prescribed medication for diabetes that is mainly used to reduce blood sugar levels. 

SGLT2 inhibitors: Another medication used to improve blood sugar levels and associated with weight loss is sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors or SGLT2 inhibitors. These medications mainly include empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, etc. Also know about ayurvedic medicine for diabetes.

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Tips for Weight Loss 

The best strategy or tip for patients who have diabetes to lose weight is to combine a balanced low-carb diet with physical activities and exercises. Even small changes in the diets can also be very effective. The diet should mainly focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and non-starchy vegetables. For drinks, it is best to stick with water and unsweetened tea whenever it is possible. Eating fast foods, cakes, cookies, candy, etc., should be avoided. In addition to a balanced diet, exercise also plays a very crucial role. Always discuss with a doctor before starting an exercise schedule or program. You can start walking outside for 10-20 minutes. Aerobic exercises like walking, hiking, dancing, swimming, running, playing tennis, etc., help significantly improve blood sugar levels and weight loss. Also read about benefits of dates for diabetes.

When to Talk With a Pro 

If you are unsure about managing your weight or need help with a balanced diet, you should consider meeting with a pro or doctor. If you need assistance or help related to blood sugar control, exercise, diet, medications, etc., then you should meet a pro. If you suffer from unexpected weight loss, this can be very serious. Under these circumstances, you should also consider talking with a pro. You should immediately consider making an appointment when your blood sugar level is more than 240 mg/ dL, even after increasing fluids as well as insulin and taking medications. Also know about yoga for diabetes type 1.

Bottomline

Diabetes and high blood glucose levels can be controlled by exercising daily and having a planned diet. The diet should be free from starchy vegetables and include low carbs and calories. Physical exercises can help maintain blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. Running on a treadmill for about 10-20 minutes or walking briskly for a few minutes can also be very effective. This time can be increased after a week or so. It is important to note that exercises should be done daily and regularly to see significant changes. Yoga, meditations, and exercises can help to improve the mood and make it good. You can have a good napping time or sleeping time after a productive day that includes exercise. Unexpected weight loss can be a sign of type 1 diabetes which occurs due to low glucose levels in the cells. It is best to consult with a pro after certain consequences. Taking medications that a professional doctor only prescribes is important. Also read about yoga for people with diabetes.

References

  • https://www.diabetes.co.uk/symptoms/unexplained-weight-loss.html
  • https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-you-should-know-about-unexplained-weight-loss-and-diabetes/

Disclaimer

This website's content is provided only for educational reasons and is not meant to be a replacement for professional medical advice. Due to individual differences, the reader should contact their physician to decide whether the material is applicable to their case.