Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin. Only 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1. People with type 2 diabetes still make insulin, but their bodies don't use it effectively. If you have type 1 diabetes, you must use supplemental insulin to regulate your glucose levels. According to MayoClinic.com, using insulin may lead to weight gain, because insulin helps glucose get into your cells more effectively. Glucose that isn't used by your cells for energy is stored as fat. Losing weight while taking insulin may be a challenge, but with diet and exercise, you can achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Step 1
Count calories carefully. Before you started taking insulin, your body didn't absorb a lot of the sugar from your diet, and glucose was eliminated from your system in your urine. Insulin helps your body use calories more effectively, so you'll need to eat less food. Choose nutrient-dense foods to ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs from your diet.
Step 2
Exercise to burn more calories. Monitor your glucose levels before, during and after exercising. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days per week. Avoid high-impact activities, which may damage already-weakened blood vessels in your feet or eyes -- especially if you have diabetic retinopathy.
Step 3
Do not take less insulin to help you lose weight. The Joslin Diabetes Center reports that people, especially women, cut back on their insulin and let their blood sugars run high to lose weight. This weight loss is primarily water weight -- and once you start taking your proper insulin dose again, you will gain this weight back.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about other diabetes medications. Drugs such as metformin and exenatide may allow you to safely lower your insulin dosage and lose weight. Do not alter your diabetes medication without talking to your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your expectations realistic -- aim for a slow and steady weight loss of about 1/2 lb. a week.
- Don't skip meals -- keeping your blood sugar stable will also stop your metabolism from slowing down.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Insulin and Weight Gain - Keeping the Pounds Off
- American Diabetes Association: Weight Loss Matters Tip Sheets
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes Diet:Weight Control for Type 2 Diabetes
- Joslin Diabetes Center: Diet Strategies for Women with Diabetes: Why Some Work and Why Some Don't
