Diabetes and Thyroid disorder

merrillfoster
merrillfoster Posts: 855 Member
edited September 23 in Health and Weight Loss
Ok, so I've seen a couple of really helpful posts recently regarding eating enough calories, starvation mode, initially gaining weight (and why we shouldn't freak out about it) etc, which were all awesome.

However, these have been posted with the caveat that they are not for people with thyroid disorders or diabetes. I am lucky enough to have both (type 1 diabetes). What about me? What should I expect? I'm currently about 5'6" or 5'7", around 155 and looking to lose another 20-25 (or lose about 6 inches all around. I know it's not really about numbers on a scale).

I'm trying to make healthy lifestyle changes in a way where I can actively maintain that lifestyle, but I'd like to lose the weight/look better/etc asap (wouldn't we all....). In a healthy way, of course (ie, not just starving myself, dropping it, then gaining it back).

I've really been struggling with this. The advice on this site is great and I'm trying to follow it (ie, trying to eat enough, work out, be good, etc. I know my diet isn't always perfect (is any sustainable diet) but I would love some advice on the best way to do this, given the restrictions I am dealing with.

Replies

  • hpsnickers1
    hpsnickers1 Posts: 2,783 Member
    Click on 'Search' and search using those terms. You'll find some posts regarding both.
  • Dippydog
    Dippydog Posts: 154
    Merrillfoster,
    I, too, am a diabetic. I have type 1 and have been insulin dependent for almost 25 yrs. I, too, have hypothyroidism and my doctor is now talking about removing my thyroid altogether. I totally understand where you are coming from.

    I have been officially 'dieting' since 1/1/11. I have lost 8 pounds in that time. I am NEVER hungry and I am satisfied. I currently weight 243 and I am 5'4". I found that if I stick to what MFP sets up for me based on my goal of 1-2 pounds per week, I can do this. The motivation and support on MFP is fantastic and helps, too.

    I have found recipies on here that are great too. Oh...and my sugars have been phenominal. I cannot wait to get my next A1c done when I usually dread it.

    I also got the iphone app for this website so whenever I am thinking of cheating, I look to see the calorie intake and decide if I really want to waste my calories on something I really don't need. Another thing with this website is that I had no idea what a real serving size was until I started measuring everything. My stomach has shrunk since starting this 'diet' and I have this website to thank for it.

    As you can tell....I love MFP. If you would like to see my food diary, friend me and you will be able to see all the foods I eat.

    Good Luck.
    Debra
  • winw
    winw Posts: 15
    Ok, so you are not going to like this reply, but I hope you will read it anyway. If you are 5'7" and 155 your BMI is already in the healthy, normal range. (It's 24.5 and should be between 19 and 25. Ok, i agree that you are at the high end of normal, but normal none the less.) If you lose 20 pounds, your BMI will drop to 21, which is at the low end of the normal BMI for your height.

    Perhaps a healthier plan - for someone who already has to long term health issues - would be a 10-pound loss by eating a bit less and exercising a bit more and then let it go at that. MFP will help you do that, but you may need to reset your goal.

    Depending on what the thyroid "disorder" is, it's only affect may be that it is a bit harder for you to lose weight, but it can still be done. And, you may not need to think of it as a "disorder" at all. Millions of women live with hypothyroidism for most of our lives with no other health effects. The diabetes is different, and I won't begin to give you advice about that. Are you seeing a diabetes counselor? S/he could give you very good advice about longterm lifestyle changes that would help you stay on the slim side and maintain your HEALTH.

    Good luck!
  • FaeFae
    FaeFae Posts: 243 Member
    I have a Thyroid disease however I still eat normally!! Im just eating healthy!! I cant really help you out with the diabetes as im sure that it is more difficult with food choices than just having a thyroid disease.
  • dawnslaughter
    dawnslaughter Posts: 125
    have you tried the gi diet? i did that one for 12 months, it keeps your blood sugar stable so you dont crave foods, its alot of whole foods, veg no processed or white bread or refined foods. there are lots of books the one i had was written by a couple i think their name was gallup
  • dawnslaughter
    dawnslaughter Posts: 125
    if your throid is controlled you should be at a normal level any way and it should make no difference to your weight loss, my friend has a very underactive thyroid and she has lost 3 stone!
  • shreddingit
    shreddingit Posts: 1,133 Member
    I read this in a book 1 day "you need to be healthy first before you can actually lose weight, You are fat because some area of your body is unhealthy".
    changed my life!!!
  • merrillfoster
    merrillfoster Posts: 855 Member
    Haha, thanks Shreddin' it! Unfortunately there's not much I can do about the whole 'pancreas and thyroid being unhealthy' thing--believe me if I could change that I would! Unfortunately I'm forced to work within these constraints--does anyone have any advice?
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