Insulin and weight loss

lelaland

I have type II diabetes. I have been on a low carb diet for 4 weeks now and have only lost 8 lbs. My blood sugars are in normal range since I've started this diet. If I stop taking my insulin, will my weight loss speed up any?

elphie754

lelaland wrote: »

I have type II diabetes. I have been on a low carb diet for 4 weeks now and have only lost 8 lbs. My blood sugars are in normal range since I've started this diet. If I stop taking my insulin, will my weight loss speed up any?

8 lbs in 4 weeks is amazing! That is 2lb per week which is a safe/healthy rate to lose weight. Do not stop taking your insulin without speaking to your doctor. The results could actually be lethal. What you need to do is set realistic goals and be patient.

erickirb

2 lbs/week is pretty much the max you should be trying to lose a week. If anything go a little slower, not faster.

musicfan68

I wouldn't stop your insulin without consulting your doctor. You are losing pretty fast actually, and, I know at least for my mother, who also has type 2, taking her insulin regularly actually helped her lose weight. I would consult your doctor.

MzManiak

Diabulimia is a real thing and if you are having thoughts to try it, you should really speak to your doctor.
Is there something about the diet you find difficult to stick with, or are you just in such a rush to lose weight that 2 pounds per week isn't good enough?

lelaland

I just feel like I've made such a drastic change in what I eat and how much I eat that my weight loss should be drastic too. I wonder if the insulin is hindering progress.

cathipa

You have lost 2 pounds a week. Any more than that would be reckless unless you are under the care of a physician and are morbidly obese. I don't think its the insulin.

pootle1972

Although you are type 2 and stopping your insulin isnt normally life threatening I'd still chat with your doc....maybe a pill or even stopping is right but you were put on it for a reason so make sure you won't do permanent harm.

MzManiak

Many would counter that 2 pounds per week for 4 weeks straight IS drastic. Maybe not The Biggest Loser kind of drastic... but about as drastic as it can be without causing concern for your health. You don't really want an overnight quick fix... those pounds come back just as quickly.
Insulin is a hormone and can have an effect on your metabolism, but not taking it will only make you feel worse, cause long-term damage to your body, and... it won't fix the problem. As you lose weight, while taking insulin, your body's ability to produce it's own insulin (and use it effectively) should get better so that you can lower your injection doses.

lesleyloo7879

I just feel like I've made such a drastic change in what I eat and how much I eat that my weight loss should be drastic too. I wonder if the insulin is hindering progress.

8 pounds in a month that is drastic, Like everyone has said do not stop taking the insulin without talking to your doctor!!!

cathipa

@pootle1972 : a diabetic stopping their insulin can be life threatening (ever heard of diabetic ketoacidosis). Unless you are a physician I wouldn't give medical advice.

pootle1972

cathipa wrote: »

@pootle1972 : a diabetic stopping their insulin can be life threatening (ever heard of diabetic ketoacidosis). Unless you are a physician I wouldn't give medical advice.

Pray tell me where I said for the op to come off her medication......

cathipa

Not sure what you mean by "type 1". You are? If so then you should know discontinuing your diabetic medication can be life threatening and can cause end organ damage due to hyperglycemia.

pootle1972

Type 1 is insulin dependant and will not produce any insulin and are at grave risk of dka....the op is type 2 (and again tell me where I said they should come off meds)...


This from the diabetes.uk site.

Patients with type 2 diabetics, were not considered to be at risk for DKA. Type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with obesityand a family history of diabetes. These patients have peripheral insulin resistance with initially normal or elevated circulating levels of endogenous insulin.


And yet again show me where I said to come off medication .....

cathipa

"Although you are type 2 and stopping your insulin isnt normally life threatening I'd still chat with your doc....maybe a pill or even stopping is right but you were put on it for a reason so make sure you won't do permanent harm. "
'
Your words

pootle1972

And highlight the rest of it where I said as a type 2 and to check with a doctor. ....

MelaniaTrump

When you start a low carb diet you can have dramatic initial weight loss.
Normal. You may start slowing down.

pootle1972

I'd still chat with your doc

But you were put on it for a reason so make sure you won't do permanent harm. "....


Also my words

elphie754

While rare, type 2 diabetics can also go into DKA, but again, it's rare.

cathipa

Risk for heart attack, stroke, macular degeneration, microvascular disease, neuropathy, high risk of infections...while not DKA all are life threatening and can lead to permanent damage and or death.

pootle1972

I'd still chat with your doc


Again my words. ........stop trying to say I told them to come off the medication.

itsbasschick

2 pounds a week is the most you should lose safely.

if you're taking insulin and currently getting normal blood sugar readings, no - you shouldn't stop your insulin. it's part of what's keeping your sugar normal. if your sugar drops to low or you're concerned that it might, talk to your doctor, who will help you decide how much less insulin to use.

and having normal blood sugar won't make it harder to lose weight - often quite the opposite.