Diabetes is a disorder in which insulin, a hormone excreted from the pancreas, is either in low amounts in the bloodstream, or is ineffective in helping the body's tissues take in glucose. Proper absorption of glucose into the body's tissues is necessary for healthy cell and organ functioning. In addition, proper blood sugar control is necessary to prevent blood vessel, nerve and organ damage, states MayoClinic.com. However, diabetes medication is effective in helping the body take in glucose, which can result in weight gain over the long-term, particularly in inactive patients. Therefore, lifestyle changes are necessary to lose weight with your diabetes medication.
Step 1
Improve your dietary habits by choosing healthier foods and calculating a proper caloric intake. Choose healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, fish, whole grains, and fiber-rich products that are low in calories and high in nutrients. Now that diabetes medications are making your body more efficient in absorbing calories in the form of glucose, you must limit your caloric intake to lose weight. Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that you can multiply your ideal weight by 10 to determine your daily caloric intake.
Step 2
Increase your level of physical activity to burn additional calories that are now being absorbed. Begin a walking program. Start walking daily at a moderate pace for 20 minutes per day, then gradually increase to 30 minutes per day. Make a goal to walk 10,000 steps per day.
Step 3
Begin a resistance training program to build extra muscle. Extra muscle continually uses glucose in the body, even at rest. Therefore, increasing muscle mass will help you burn extra calories that will result in weight loss. Hire a personal trainer or work out with a partner who is familiar with resistance training if you are a beginner. Set a goal to perform resistance training exercises for 20 minutes per day, three times per week.
Tips and Warnings
- Always keep candy with you in case your blood glucose levels fall dangerously low.
