Can i still lose wight with insulin resistance?

So, i recently started a diet after going to the doctor and finding out that i am ALMOST a type 2 diabetic. My A1C was 6.7 and my doctor said that 7.0 is a full fledged diabetic. I have had creases on my neck for years, ever since i was little, and never knew what it was. The doctor told me that i have Insulin Resistance, and the only way to reverse it was losing weight, but it would be harder for me. So my question is, can i still lose weight with insulin resistance? I have been dieting for a week now and haven't noticed any changes in my body. I am a 19 year old 450 pound male. I always eat under 1,500 calories a day and try to get atleast a little bit of excersize everyday. It is extremely hard for me because i just got diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in my foot and it hurts to move around. I know up to 2 pounds per week is recommended, but how much weight is it possible for me to lose being a young morbidly obese male who has insulin resistance that has dramatically cut calories and is getting atleast 10 minutes of exercise in a day.

Replies

  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
    Yes.

    I lost 83 pounds with it, and successfully reversed it.

    You don't have to dramatically cut calories. You need to watch your carbs, eat at a deficit and be active.
  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
    Of course you can. Being active and eating a moderate or low-carb diet both help.

    I have insulin resistance, as well as some more serious issues (barely-functioning pituitary) and I've still lost quite a bit. Current A1C=5.0.

    It sounds like you have made a good start...just keep moving and adding more as you go.

    Is a doctor supervising what you are doing?
  • liftingheavy
    liftingheavy Posts: 551 Member
    Of course you can. Just eat clean, with a little treat now and then
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    Yes you can, and drop your a1c in the process. A1c of 7.3 in Jan. of 2014. It has been 5.5 or below since August of 2014. Oh, by the way:
    58841349.png
  • SharonBrobst
    SharonBrobst Posts: 62 Member
    5 weeks ago I was diagnosed at insulin resistant/borderline diabetic. I have lost 8 lbs already by cutting out added sugars and bad carbs.

    At some point you will want to increase your exercise to 30-40 minutes a day, even if you do it slowly or spread it out. If walking is hard try biking or lifting. I have chronic pain and my doctor once told me to just get moving and then add more as I can. I started at 2-3 miles a week and now walk 10-12 miles. :smiley:
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited July 2015
    5 weeks ago I was diagnosed at insulin resistant/borderline diabetic. I have lost 8 lbs already by cutting out added sugars and bad carbs.

    At some point you will want to increase your exercise to 30-40 minutes a day, even if you do it slowly or spread it out. If walking is hard try biking or lifting. I have chronic pain and my doctor once told me to just get moving and then add more as I can. I started at 2-3 miles a week and now walk 10-12 miles. :smiley:

    No such thing as bad carbs. Just keep your total carbs to whatever limit your doctor or dietician recommends. In my case, it is a max 180 g a day and it is up to me what I eat to get to that 180 g or less. As posted above, it works.

  • professionalHobbyist
    professionalHobbyist Posts: 1,316 Member
    Sure you can!

    You can do this and have many people that have been down
    Your path to share knowledge experience and encourage you along the way

    I have lost 125 and reversed type 2

    You don't have to stop at not being diabetic

    You can even do some body recomposition if you care to

    The future is an open door
  • SharonBrobst
    SharonBrobst Posts: 62 Member
    Oh and you can do this!! Believe it and just do it, one step at a time!
  • cajuntank
    cajuntank Posts: 924 Member
    edited July 2015
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    So, i recently started a diet after going to the doctor and finding out that i am ALMOST a type 2 diabetic. My A1C was 6.7 and my doctor said that 7.0 is a full fledged diabetic. I have had creases on my neck for years, ever since i was little, and never knew what it was. The doctor told me that i have Insulin Resistance, and the only way to reverse it was losing weight, but it would be harder for me. So my question is, can i still lose weight with insulin resistance? I have been dieting for a week now and haven't noticed any changes in my body. I am a 19 year old 450 pound male. I always eat under 1,500 calories a day and try to get atleast a little bit of excersize everyday. It is extremely hard for me because i just got diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in my foot and it hurts to move around. I know up to 2 pounds per week is recommended, but how much weight is it possible for me to lose being a young morbidly obese male who has insulin resistance that has dramatically cut calories and is getting atleast 10 minutes of exercise in a day.

    It's ok if you do lose quicker than 2lbs a week average at your current bodyweight (the general rule of thumb is .5-1% of bodyweight weekly average, but this is to maximize muscle retention. You and your Dr. might have greater concern for health to get weight off quicker). Did your Dr. recommend a low carb diet or direct you at your current caloric intake? Just curious.

    Also, I would get into lifting as you can help offset muscle loss and due to your age and being overweight, probably build quite a bit to help with weigh-loss.
  • Kaelan1995
    Kaelan1995 Posts: 20 Member
    cajuntank wrote: »
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    So, i recently started a diet after going to the doctor and finding out that i am ALMOST a type 2 diabetic. My A1C was 6.7 and my doctor said that 7.0 is a full fledged diabetic. I have had creases on my neck for years, ever since i was little, and never knew what it was. The doctor told me that i have Insulin Resistance, and the only way to reverse it was losing weight, but it would be harder for me. So my question is, can i still lose weight with insulin resistance? I have been dieting for a week now and haven't noticed any changes in my body. I am a 19 year old 450 pound male. I always eat under 1,500 calories a day and try to get atleast a little bit of excersize everyday. It is extremely hard for me because i just got diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in my foot and it hurts to move around. I know up to 2 pounds per week is recommended, but how much weight is it possible for me to lose being a young morbidly obese male who has insulin resistance that has dramatically cut calories and is getting atleast 10 minutes of exercise in a day.

    It's ok if you do lose quicker than 2lbs a week average at your current bodyweight (the general rule of thumb is .5-1% of bodyweight weekly average, but this is to maximize muscle retention. You and your Dr. might have greater concern for health to get weight off quicker). Did your Dr. recommend a low carb diet or direct you at your current caloric intake? Just curious.

    Also, I would get into lifting as you can help offset muscle loss and due to your age and being overweight, probably build quite a bit to help with weigh-loss.

    Hey, thank you for the response. No, my doctor to be honest, isn't a good one. I have been seeing him for 3 years whenever something would get wrong with me, and he didn't do blood work on me for three years. When he finally did, i got those results. He didn't read them to me, just told me everything was fine.. and wouldn't tell me any specifics. So i went to medical records and got a copy of my BW and confronted him with the numbers and that's when he told me about being a pre-diabetic and said he didn't mention it because "it wasn't a huge concern." He has never told me i needed to lose weight and certainly didn't recommend a diet plan. It's something that i am trying to do on my own and figuring out how to eat well on my own. It's nice to get words of encouragement from people on here...it helps.
  • Kaelan1995
    Kaelan1995 Posts: 20 Member
    thanks to everyone for the responses and support.. it makes me want to keep going and make something of my life. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.. lol. I'm at the point where i can't ride amusement rides (my favorite thing on earth) because i'm too big for them. I am working not just to reverse the insulin resistance, but to get the body i have always dreamed of. My goal weight is 120 so i have 330 pounds to lose.. wish me luck.
  • PrizePopple
    PrizePopple Posts: 3,133 Member
    edited July 2015
    I'm 50 pounds down and have likely reversed my insulin resistance. I've not been back to my endo yet to confirm.

    Just start out with eating less than you burn. Trying to restrict food too much can make it so so hard. My endo was personally more concerned with seeing me lose than trying to pigeonhole me into a specific diet.

    This is a good post to read to get you started here..

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants


    You got this! :)
  • velveteen7845
    velveteen7845 Posts: 70 Member
    edited July 2015
    I am a Type 2 diabetic and I have lost more than 100 pounds in the last year primarily through cutting calories and a moderate carb diet. My blood sugars are now in the normal range. You can do the same!

    You might want to check out the American Diabetes Association web site and learn about counting net carbs and try limiting yourself to 45 net carbs per meal. You can purchase an inexpensive blood glucose meter and test strips from Amazon (I think the best priced one is TrueResult) and check your blood sugar 2 hours after a meal. There is also a sub-forum here for diabetics and insulin resistant folks.

    Also, can you switch to a better doctor?




  • cajuntank
    cajuntank Posts: 924 Member
    edited July 2015
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    cajuntank wrote: »
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    So, i recently started a diet after going to the doctor and finding out that i am ALMOST a type 2 diabetic. My A1C was 6.7 and my doctor said that 7.0 is a full fledged diabetic. I have had creases on my neck for years, ever since i was little, and never knew what it was. The doctor told me that i have Insulin Resistance, and the only way to reverse it was losing weight, but it would be harder for me. So my question is, can i still lose weight with insulin resistance? I have been dieting for a week now and haven't noticed any changes in my body. I am a 19 year old 450 pound male. I always eat under 1,500 calories a day and try to get atleast a little bit of excersize everyday. It is extremely hard for me because i just got diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in my foot and it hurts to move around. I know up to 2 pounds per week is recommended, but how much weight is it possible for me to lose being a young morbidly obese male who has insulin resistance that has dramatically cut calories and is getting atleast 10 minutes of exercise in a day.

    It's ok if you do lose quicker than 2lbs a week average at your current bodyweight (the general rule of thumb is .5-1% of bodyweight weekly average, but this is to maximize muscle retention. You and your Dr. might have greater concern for health to get weight off quicker). Did your Dr. recommend a low carb diet or direct you at your current caloric intake? Just curious.

    Also, I would get into lifting as you can help offset muscle loss and due to your age and being overweight, probably build quite a bit to help with weigh-loss.

    Hey, thank you for the response. No, my doctor to be honest, isn't a good one. I have been seeing him for 3 years whenever something would get wrong with me, and he didn't do blood work on me for three years. When he finally did, i got those results. He didn't read them to me, just told me everything was fine.. and wouldn't tell me any specifics. So i went to medical records and got a copy of my BW and confronted him with the numbers and that's when he told me about being a pre-diabetic and said he didn't mention it because "it wasn't a huge concern." He has never told me i needed to lose weight and certainly didn't recommend a diet plan. It's something that i am trying to do on my own and figuring out how to eat well on my own. It's nice to get words of encouragement from people on here...it helps.

    If you have the capability, then find another Dr. to discuss your current intake as it's kinda low and while it's not insanely low, he or she might want to keep an eye on you periodically. I would not attempt to run that level of intake for long term though, again, you need to discuss with a Dr. This is just my opinion.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    I have prediabetes too. I started eating very low carb and high fat and my bloods normalized within a couple of weeks and I am losing a couple of pounds per week. You can do it!

    BTW, I found Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution books really helpful.
  • Diana_GettingFit
    Diana_GettingFit Posts: 458 Member
    earlnabby wrote: »
    Yes you can, and drop your a1c in the process. A1c of 7.3 in Jan. of 2014. It has been 5.5 or below since August of 2014. Oh, by the way:
    58841349.png

    Your story is very similar to mine. My A1C in December last year was 7.2. Last month it was 5.8. The doctor took me off Metformin.

    OP it is possible. Just focus on weight loss. There are several of us on this forum who recently got off diabetes meds.

  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    cajuntank wrote: »
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    So, i recently started a diet after going to the doctor and finding out that i am ALMOST a type 2 diabetic. My A1C was 6.7 and my doctor said that 7.0 is a full fledged diabetic. I have had creases on my neck for years, ever since i was little, and never knew what it was. The doctor told me that i have Insulin Resistance, and the only way to reverse it was losing weight, but it would be harder for me. So my question is, can i still lose weight with insulin resistance? I have been dieting for a week now and haven't noticed any changes in my body. I am a 19 year old 450 pound male. I always eat under 1,500 calories a day and try to get atleast a little bit of excersize everyday. It is extremely hard for me because i just got diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in my foot and it hurts to move around. I know up to 2 pounds per week is recommended, but how much weight is it possible for me to lose being a young morbidly obese male who has insulin resistance that has dramatically cut calories and is getting atleast 10 minutes of exercise in a day.

    It's ok if you do lose quicker than 2lbs a week average at your current bodyweight (the general rule of thumb is .5-1% of bodyweight weekly average, but this is to maximize muscle retention. You and your Dr. might have greater concern for health to get weight off quicker). Did your Dr. recommend a low carb diet or direct you at your current caloric intake? Just curious.

    Also, I would get into lifting as you can help offset muscle loss and due to your age and being overweight, probably build quite a bit to help with weigh-loss.

    Hey, thank you for the response. No, my doctor to be honest, isn't a good one. I have been seeing him for 3 years whenever something would get wrong with me, and he didn't do blood work on me for three years. When he finally did, i got those results. He didn't read them to me, just told me everything was fine.. and wouldn't tell me any specifics. So i went to medical records and got a copy of my BW and confronted him with the numbers and that's when he told me about being a pre-diabetic and said he didn't mention it because "it wasn't a huge concern." He has never told me i needed to lose weight and certainly didn't recommend a diet plan. It's something that i am trying to do on my own and figuring out how to eat well on my own. It's nice to get words of encouragement from people on here...it helps.

    Yikes! It's a huge concern and it is something that you really can control to a great degree with lifestyle choices. Not telling you that is incredibly unethical.

    Get a new doctor! If you aren't seeing an endocrinologist, you really should be. There are medications that you need to consider and your issues should be evaluated by a skilled specialist. If you are able to get a referral to a dietitian or nutritionist, take advantage of that too.

    You have a lot to lose, but if you could even get halfway to your goal you would make a huge difference in your health and how you feel.
  • 85Cardinals
    85Cardinals Posts: 733 Member
    If you want to lose the wight, you need to burn them. Or be really strong like that giant guy.
  • karenrich77
    karenrich77 Posts: 292 Member
    105 pounds gone and no sight of high blood sugar levels anymore!
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,426 MFP Moderator
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    So, i recently started a diet after going to the doctor and finding out that i am ALMOST a type 2 diabetic. My A1C was 6.7 and my doctor said that 7.0 is a full fledged diabetic. I have had creases on my neck for years, ever since i was little, and never knew what it was. The doctor told me that i have Insulin Resistance, and the only way to reverse it was losing weight, but it would be harder for me. So my question is, can i still lose weight with insulin resistance? I have been dieting for a week now and haven't noticed any changes in my body. I am a 19 year old 450 pound male. I always eat under 1,500 calories a day and try to get atleast a little bit of excersize everyday. It is extremely hard for me because i just got diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in my foot and it hurts to move around. I know up to 2 pounds per week is recommended, but how much weight is it possible for me to lose being a young morbidly obese male who has insulin resistance that has dramatically cut calories and is getting atleast 10 minutes of exercise in a day.

    Regarding the Plantars Fasciitis. You can actually improve that situation. I had to get physical therapy for mine, but if you don' t have the money/insurance for that, there are youtube videos and online articles in how to improve it. I will note, it can take a lot of time (months) to get rid of it. Also, what I discovered is that I had to get different shoes. Apparently, I needed a shoe with additional support (i have the Brooks GTS 13s and GTS 14's), so I have a stability shoe. Also, if you want to exercise, start weight training and swimming. Both will have very little impact on your PF.

    Regarding diet, I would recommend looking into the low carb group. While it may not be needed for weight loss, many people found it a very useful tool when having IR.


  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    thanks to everyone for the responses and support.. it makes me want to keep going and make something of my life. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.. lol. I'm at the point where i can't ride amusement rides (my favorite thing on earth) because i'm too big for them. I am working not just to reverse the insulin resistance, but to get the body i have always dreamed of. My goal weight is 120 so i have 330 pounds to lose.. wish me luck.

    The best piece of advice I was given when I first started was "You are not making a big change in your life, you are making a series of small changes"

    Baby steps. Start out by eating regular meals of real foods. By real foods, I mean something other than convenience foods. Meat, veggies, fruit, rice, potatoes, etc. Nutrient dense and well balanced. How many meals will depend totally on you, I eat 5-6 meals a day. Many eat 2-3 meals. A lot of people with blood sugar issues (both high and low) tend to eat frequent smaller meals to keep the blood glucose more level. When you get that change established, start working on portion and calorie control. Then start tweaking with your macros to fit what works best for you. Having higher a1c, it usually means reducing total carbs but does not necessarily mean going low carb. Only you know if that will be best. I love my carbs so I went to reduced carbs (35% of my total instead of the default 50%). I just cannot eat low carb and my a1c lowered just fine without having to do that.

    Same thing with exercise. Do what you can and build on it. I couldn't walk because of a back issue so I started taking a water aerobics class designed to help those with back pain and people who are back surgery post op. If you have PF, maybe something like a water exercise class or just walking in the pool can help. If you are shoulder deep, the water buoys up 75% of your weight (I think that is the percentage) so it takes the strain off.

    Lastly, if you don't want to sever ties with your doctor, ask for a referral to a Certified Diabetic Specialist or even a Registered Dietician to get more insight and help with food choices. Personally, I'd dump the doctor but I know it can be difficult to find a good one to replace him/her.

  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    cajuntank wrote: »
    Kaelan1995 wrote: »
    So, i recently started a diet after going to the doctor and finding out that i am ALMOST a type 2 diabetic. My A1C was 6.7 and my doctor said that 7.0 is a full fledged diabetic. I have had creases on my neck for years, ever since i was little, and never knew what it was. The doctor told me that i have Insulin Resistance, and the only way to reverse it was losing weight, but it would be harder for me. So my question is, can i still lose weight with insulin resistance? I have been dieting for a week now and haven't noticed any changes in my body. I am a 19 year old 450 pound male. I always eat under 1,500 calories a day and try to get atleast a little bit of excersize everyday. It is extremely hard for me because i just got diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in my foot and it hurts to move around. I know up to 2 pounds per week is recommended, but how much weight is it possible for me to lose being a young morbidly obese male who has insulin resistance that has dramatically cut calories and is getting atleast 10 minutes of exercise in a day.

    It's ok if you do lose quicker than 2lbs a week average at your current bodyweight (the general rule of thumb is .5-1% of bodyweight weekly average, but this is to maximize muscle retention. You and your Dr. might have greater concern for health to get weight off quicker). Did your Dr. recommend a low carb diet or direct you at your current caloric intake? Just curious.

    Also, I would get into lifting as you can help offset muscle loss and due to your age and being overweight, probably build quite a bit to help with weigh-loss.

    Hey, thank you for the response. No, my doctor to be honest, isn't a good one. I have been seeing him for 3 years whenever something would get wrong with me, and he didn't do blood work on me for three years. When he finally did, i got those results. He didn't read them to me, just told me everything was fine.. and wouldn't tell me any specifics. So i went to medical records and got a copy of my BW and confronted him with the numbers and that's when he told me about being a pre-diabetic and said he didn't mention it because "it wasn't a huge concern." He has never told me i needed to lose weight and certainly didn't recommend a diet plan. It's something that i am trying to do on my own and figuring out how to eat well on my own. It's nice to get words of encouragement from people on here...it helps.

    Sorry to hear your doctor isn't very good. I was in a similar situation as yours, just add 10 more years in age and 35 lbs. My doctor is great. He was on top of things. Recommended low carb, exercise, etc etc. and would check up on me every 3 months. I improved over time and as I lost weight, my A1C improved and my meds were reduced. A little over 1 year later I was out of the diabetic range and had lost a little over 100 lbs. I have been completely med free and my A1C blood work has shown I have reversed it. It's been this way for me for nearly 5 years now.