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Suggest Best Diabetic Diet For Weight Loss

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Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016
Question: What is recommended diabetic diet/exercise for losing 2 pounds per week?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sridhar K (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Diet, Exercise, and Drugs details required

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing to health care magic

there are several factors to be kept in mind while reducing the weight

please confirm the following to advise further



- we need to know what kind of tablets are you taking for diabetic purpose
- what is your daily activity with regard to exercise/walking
- what is the food habits and frequency of having food

wish you good health

Regards

Dr Sridhar K


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sridhar K (24 hours later)
I am taking 7 units Humalog before meals and 28 units Lantus at bedtime. I usually get about 20-30 minutes of walking in about 4 to 5 times a week.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sridhar K (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Losing weight

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing to HCM, before telling how to lose weight, you need to understand why you gain weight while you are on insulin

First, dehydration occurs as the body works to clear itself of the excess glucose, which makes most think they have lost weight, but it is only lost water. Second, because the body is unable to properly convert food into energy due to the improper insulin secretion or insulin resistance, the food (and most specifically carbohydrates) turns into excess glucose circulating in the blood, resulting in high blood glucose. Ultimately, the body cannot use all the extra glucose circulating in the blood, so it is eliminated in the urine. High blood glucose may also cause increased hunger since all the carbohydrates consumed are unable to get into the cells as energy.

When insulin is added:

• Fluid retention occurs to counteract the dehydration that was present prior to insulin initiation. This weight gain only lasts a short period of time.


• The glucose in the bloodstream from carbohydrates consumed can be absorbed by the cells, where it's used and stored for energy instead of being excreted by the kidneys, leading to better blood glucose but all the calories consumed are not being lost.


• Hunger is reduced due to increased energy to the cells. However, if one continues to consume the extra calories they are used to consuming when the glucose levels were elevated, the body will store it as fat, leading to weight gain.

When initiating insulin, it is important to understand that some changes may need to be made to meal planning to aid in weight maintenance or weight loss. Being aware of the amount and types of food eaten and being physically active most days can help prevent unwanted weight gain

Here are some tips to lose weight

- count calories and know what is a serving size
- Do not skip meals or eliminate carbohydrates: Skipping a meal causes the body to use energy less efficiently. Essentially, the body thinks it is starving, so instead of burning calories, it grabs onto all the energy given and will not let it go, leading to weight gain. Also, when someone skips a meal, it tends to lead to increased hunger at the next meal (or before), making it more likely to consume less healthy food choices. Skipping meals can also cause low blood sugar levels, depending on the type of insulin being used.
-Regular exercise/walking daily (at least 45 minutes)


Wish You Good Health

Regards

Dr Sridhar K



Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sridhar K

Diabetologist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 168 Questions

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Suggest Best Diabetic Diet For Weight Loss

Brief Answer: Diet, Exercise, and Drugs details required Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to health care magic there are several factors to be kept in mind while reducing the weight please confirm the following to advise further - we need to know what kind of tablets are you taking for diabetic purpose - what is your daily activity with regard to exercise/walking - what is the food habits and frequency of having food wish you good health Regards Dr Sridhar K