Diabetes occurs when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or your cells have trouble recognizing insulin in the body. Diabetes affects 23.6 million people in the U.S., according to the American Diabetes Association. Being overweight or obese is a major contributor to diabetes. If you are diabetic, you may also have trouble losing weight, but there are steps you can take to lose weight and help control blood sugar levels.
Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes, type I, type II and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is referred to as juvenile diabetes because it is often diagnosed in childhood. With type I, your body may not produce much insulin. When you eat, blood glucose begins to back up rapidly in your bloodstream; this can cause damage to your eyes, brain and heart. Taking insulin injections brings your blood sugar down. With type 2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, your body produces some insulin but your cells are unable to process it properly. This leads to weight gain and increases your risk for heart disease, hypertension and high cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications such as Glucophage --- which helps your body metabolize blood sugars better. Gestational diabetes occurs when you are pregnant. This can cause complications with your pregnancy --- your obstetrician may recommend close monitoring of your blood sugar levels throughout your pregnancy.
Insulin Resistance
As a diabetic, you may have trouble losing weight because of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome is a condition where your body is still able to make insulin, but the insulin doesn't work properly. The pancreas works harder to secrete insulin, but blood cells resist. This condition can make it difficult for your blood sugar levels to regulate themselves and you may store more fat --- making weight loss challenging. This can lead to tiredness, weight gain and obesity.
Insulin
If you have type I or juvenile diabetes, it is very important to keep excess weight off. One struggle you may face is feeling hungry and overeating sugary or starchy foods after you inject insulin. This often results from brief periods of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs when your body makes too much insulin and your blood sugar levels drop. You may experience hunger or have to eat a sugar source to bring blood glucose levels to a normal range between 75 and 100 mg.
Diabetic Diet
To lose weight with diabetes, you need to follow a proper diet that is low in fat, calories and carbohydrates and provides sufficient protein. MayoClinic.com suggests choosing healthy carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Also include fiber rich foods such as nuts and fish. Use healthy fats such as olive and canola oil. Try to stick between 1,200 and 1,600 calories per day and incorporate lean meats such as poultry into your diet. Avoid processed foods that are high in sugar.
Exercise
Exercise can also help you lose weight with diabetes. The American College of Sports medicine recommends adults get 30 minutes of aerobic activity daily, up to five days a week. If you suffer from complications of your diabetes such as limited mobility, foot ulcerations or diabetic neuropathy, use reinforced shoes and practice low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming to help with weight loss. Seek the advice of your physician before starting any weight loss program.
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