losing weight and also diabetic

katherinecorwin5

I have been diabetic for over 15 years, and my blood sugars on under control. I struggle to lose weight constanting. Does anyone have any tips on how to lose weight and keep from bottoming out my blood sugars.

jgnatca

Hi! Type 1 or type 2?

I'm in remission from type 2 after losing a significant amount of weight and having bariatric surgery. It's taken two years so far.

I'd call the diabetic lifestyle a balancing act. So the diet that will be most successful is a slow weight loss. No skipping meals or snacks. I am continuing to lose weight at about 1,600 calories a day (I'm just over 185 pounds, female, 5' 4").

Since weight loss will be slow, it is helpful I think to have behavioral goals rather than weight goals. For instance, it might be to resolve one bad habit at a time. I also pack appropriate snacks with me everywhere so if I were caught away from home, say, and McDonald's is beckoning, I have a better choice available. Hubby is even better than me. While I might pick a bag of chips to go with my Subway sandwich (too many carbs, eek!), he packs an apple with him.

Cupcaker35

To add on to what jgnatca said....what is your level of physical activity? A simple 20min walk per day can make a major difference. If you're able to do more that's great but physical activity is a must.

As for diet check out the recipes for Atkins and/or South Beach for ideas on low carb and preferred carb meals, snacks, etc.. The diabetic lifestyle is a balancing act but its very possible. That's awesome that ur hubby participates!

winnie141

Type 2 here. I was on insulin and found it difficult to lost weight while keeping my sugars from growing too low. I ended up lowering my insulin needs accordingly to the point where I was still hypoglycemic...doctor eventually took me off insulin and I am still on high doses of metformin. I am told that this is temporary and will need to go back on insulin at some point so I am REALLY enjoying not giving myself insulin. I don't know if this is honeymoon period or not but currently I am being sent to a diabetic clinic for more tests...yay me. I am currently losing weight from walking and eating lots of fruits and veggies, higher protein and less breads! Protein is key for my sugars not going to low which I STILL suffer from unfortunately, I can't go out even for a walk first thing in the morning without my sugar tablets...sucks...so I have to wait a little later in the morning to do anything, usually RIGHT after snack time of a protein and a fruit. I now carry in conjunction to the tablets trail mix and really watch myself. Usually my first indication of going low is dragging my feet and cloudy judgement. Diabetes sucks but it's still possible to lose weight....I am sure by now you know your signs of going low besides the shakes...key is to catch it before it gets to that point! Hope this helps!

brendak76

@jburke141 Have you been tested for adult onset type 1 diabetes? You sound like a typical case of what's referred to as LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults). It's often misdiagnosed as type 2.

I sympathize with the balancing blood sugar act. I have either LADA or type 1 (it's debated but it doesn't really matter). I'm on an insulin pump and a Dexcom and have to time exercise and insulin and food. But it's possible!! I try and eat a light meal with carbs right before exercise so I won't go low. I'm also working closely with my diabetes team to make sure my insulin is set at the correct levels to avoid lows. It's tough but definitely doable.

winnie141

@brendak76 I haven't been tested yet. I was given a huge blood work to be done before I go to this clinic plus a 24 hour urine test (not too sure what that is for and what it entails) but yeah doctors don't like to say too much. I had diabetes with my 3 pregnancy's and lost like 20lbs within a few weeks prior to diagnosis so I knew at that point I had something wrong with me. I will probably find out within a few weeks!

brendak76

jburke141 wrote: »

@brendak76 I haven't been tested yet. I was given a huge blood work to be done before I go to this clinic plus a 24 hour urine test (not too sure what that is for and what it entails) but yeah doctors don't like to say too much. I had diabetes with my 3 pregnancy's and lost like 20lbs within a few weeks prior to diagnosis so I knew at that point I had something wrong with me. I will probably find out within a few weeks!

I had gestational diabetes as well (insulin dependent) and developed diabetes 3 years later. I hope you get some answers soon. Definitely sounds like LADA with the weight loss. Good luck.