Type 1 Diabetes - Let's talk about it! (Move along Type 2's...nothing to see here.)

feffyweffy
feffyweffy Posts: 16 Member
edited November 12 in Introduce Yourself
Maybe it's just because I'm kind of a newb, but I'm having a hard time finding much discussion concerning Type 1 diabetes. It's a big deal. No one gets it. It's had a huge impact on my weight and my ability to get rid of it. Anyone else out there? It kind of feels like there are NO type 1 success stories out there.
Anyone else want to discuss the fact that the very substance keeping you alive is the same substance that is doing its best to make you fat!? Anyone!?

Tell me what you're feeling!

Replies

  • RandiN91
    RandiN91 Posts: 5
    You're not alone!! I've been a type 1 for 10 years and only in the last 2 years have started having issues with weight gain. Several things probably contributed to the problem...I moved, got married, started a new job, and started on a insulin pump. I've gained at least 20 lbs in those 2 years. I'm not technically overweight, but I feel so gross.
    I'm trying hard to lose the weight, but diabetes is making it difficult. I feel like every time a get in a good work out, I end up with a low and have to shovel food in my mouth before I pass out. Kind of defeats the purpose, right? I've tried turning off my pump 30 mins prior to work out and leaving it off until I'm done, and I still end up in the 40's. I'm hoping to learn how to fix this problem as I go.

    Any way, I just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone and I feel your pain!
  • charmmeth
    charmmeth Posts: 936 Member
    edited February 2015
    Hi fw, I am not type 1 diabetic, but I have a number of friends who are, and have seen what a struggle it can be for some of them to keep healthy/have their weight under control.

    There are a few threads here of people with type 1 diabetes wanting to to link up. Just in case you haven't found them, here they are:
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10068681/type-1-diabetes-on-a-diet
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10060572/type-1-diabetic-with-75lbs-to-lose
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10087176/type-1-diabetic-friends-wanted

    Good luck!
  • feffyweffy
    feffyweffy Posts: 16 Member
    :D I'm so happy to finally hear from someone on this subject! ...and I know exactly what you mean. The same thing happens to me, where I work out, and end up with not just one low, but a whole day of them.
    I am very lucky to live in a smaller town with a great diabetes department in our hospital, making it very accessible to see them. (And I see them like, every other week.)
    Do you have people who can help you with your pump whenever you need it? Seeing my diabetes educators has really helped combat some of the lows. Exercise can last in your body all day, so it sounds like your basal rates could use adjusting. (Which I'm sure you already know.) Another thing that has helped me is setting a temporary basal rate while I'm exercising. (Which I'm sure you also already know.) I certainly don't have it all under control, which is why I see my diabetes educators so often. I'm constantly changing so my insulin needs are constantly changing too.
    It's so tough, though. It's literally easier to keep my diabetes under control by being lazy and doing nothing. And it sucks.
    Hope things start evening out for you here soon. Let me know how things are progressing!
  • feffyweffy
    feffyweffy Posts: 16 Member
    Thank you charmmeth!!! I will look into them!
  • RandiN91
    RandiN91 Posts: 5
    @feffyweffy, I definitely have been through some trial and error with my basal rates and I'm still learning what works best for me, and I'm hopeful that I'll find my happy medium eventually. I'm thankful to have access to a great endo who helps me with my adjustments now that my activity level and diet are changing, things aren't perfect but they are getting better! I know what you mean about it being easier to control your diabetes by being lazy, that thought crosses my mind often and I just have to push it to the side and remember why it's important to me to be healthier and more fit.
    Good luck with your endeavors and thanks for the add! I'm always happy to find a fellow type 1 friend :smile:
  • brookejoness1
    brookejoness1 Posts: 8
    Hi there! My been type 1 since 2011! I have never been this heavy before.. I can't seems to lose any weight either. My doctor put me on symlin, look it up! I hope it helps me!!
  • feffyweffy
    feffyweffy Posts: 16 Member
    Hmmm...never heard of it. I will look it up though, as I am also having a terrible time getting rid of any weight. I'm really just hoping that it's taking longer than usual to START losing, but when I finally start, it will come a little easier (that's what I'm freaking telling myself anyway because I've been working out at least 6 days a week and using MFP to track when I used to just eat all the live-long day. Something's gotta give, right? Have you ever had your thyroid checked? Apparently that can have an impact on things too.
  • brookejoness1
    brookejoness1 Posts: 8
    Yes I had my thyroid checked, it came back abnormal, then normal when I was rechecked.. Lol but symlin is prescribed to type1s and helps to lose weight and control appetite, because our bodies do not produce the hormone amylin, which gives normal people the "full feeling" and it also reduces the amount of insulin needed and keep blood sugar stable, without extreme spikes after meals! Its amazing and its sad because not a lot of type 1s know about it!
  • feffyweffy
    feffyweffy Posts: 16 Member
    Welp, if things don't start happening in the next month, that will definitely be on my list! I do have an endo appt this week, maybe I can bring it up with them...ugh. How come I'm not skinny yet???
  • brookejoness1
    brookejoness1 Posts: 8
    I would definitely ask about symlin! Message me what they say!!
  • alessipantz
    alessipantz Posts: 2
    Hey everyone!
    I'm 20 years old and I've been a type one diabetic for just under 10 years now. I've been using insulin pens for the past couple years and it seems to be working for me.
    I've noticed that in the past 2 years, I've started gaining weight. I'd like to keep this weight off but it seems impossible.
    Having a snack before or after I go to the gym helps keep my blood sugar from going low but also defeats the purpose of going to the gym!
    Low carb diets don't work because I always end up with a low blood sugar. I tried sticking to 3 meals within my daily calorie intake and eliminating snacks, but this almost always leads to a low blood sugar.

    I plan on working more closely with a dietition in the next couple months in hopes to make this work!
    Any suggestions?
  • jvgarcia2015
    jvgarcia2015 Posts: 1
    Type I since 18y I have not gain a gram since I actually rather loose weight
    I used to play rugby league before declaring my diabetes at 78kg, when drop I kept a 70kg flat max and rather move down
    Reason I start using this app is to gain weight as I drop now to 67kg
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