According to the Mayo Clinic, type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. The Mayo Clinic adds that type 1 diabetes can be caused by genetics or viruses and typically appears during adolescence. Left untreated, type 1 diabetes can damage many major organs, but treatment can also lead to issues like weight gain.
Type 1 Diabetes Weight Gain
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many patients experience significant weight gain from insulin, which can in turn cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic explains that more insulin required to control your blood sugar means more glucose in your body, and unused glucose is stored as fat. If you do not change your diet and activity levels, this extra fat means you will gain weight.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to combat weight gain from type 1 diabetes. Up To Date recommends exercising for 30 minutes per day on most days of the week, as exercise can help you lose weight and keep the weight off. The Mayo Clinic recommends activities like fast walking, swimming and bicycling for at least two and a half hours per week.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes can help you manage weight gain and even take weight off while on insulin. Up To Date recommends limiting fat intake to 25 to 35 percent of calorie intake and taking in less than 200mg of cholesterol per day. In addition, Up To Date advises you to limit sugar intake and keep sodium consumption below 2,300mg per day. Further, the Mayo Clinic says you should count calorie intake and focus on eating more high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Insulin Management
By managing your weight and your insulin intake with your doctor, you could potentially require less insulin in the future. The Mayo Clinic notes that certain medications like metformin, exenatide and pramlintide can help promote weight loss and allow for a decrease in insulin. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises you to perform at least four blood glucose tests per day, and to visit your doctors once per month to manage your insulin needs. You want to get the right amount of insulin to manage the diabetes but not too much since the extra will be stored as fat.
