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What Causes Weight Loss In A Diabetic?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Nov 2017
Question: Hello doctor,
I am 35yrs old and have been diagnosed diabetes since April this year .right now I am taking one single dose of tenligliptin 20 and metformin1000 combination , I go for regular gyming and now m facing weight loss even after maintaining my blood sugar . Kindly guide me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Keep BMI within normal limits. Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear. Weight loss is common in diabetics as the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is increased in diabetics. People with diabetes receive mixed messages about weight loss from magazines, newspapers, friends, family, and, yes, even health professionals. Few subjects have accumulated as much misleading and potentially dangerous folklore as the subject of obesity. A common message is that losing weight is just a matter of willpower, and if you have been losing weight and reach a plateau, it's because you've lost your willpower and are no longer following your diet.

So the main take home message is try to maintain your BMI within the normal limit. Normal BMI is from 18.5 to 25. Hope you know how to calculate BMI. Body mass index (BMI)= weight in kgs/ height in meter square.

In the end, setting realistic weight goals and aiming for moderation is generally the best approach: eating a healthful diet, being more physically active, and keeping food records along with blood glucose records so that blood glucose levels can be kept under optimal control and medications can be added or adjusted when needed. Eating fewer calories and getting regular physical activity improves blood glucose control independent of body weight and weight loss.

Regards- Dr Sanjay Kini
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sanjay Kini (40 minutes later)
I've already lost almost 10 kgs since April and as far as my glucose level is concerned it's under tight control , I tried soy milk as an supplement but it affect my digestion . I am 5feet 10 inches and I am at 71.4 kgs right now . do you think that matformin playing some kind of role in weight loss. I am very much concerned about my weight .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kini (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Your BMI is pretty much normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Yes, weight loss is definitely through Metformin. Metformin is also given in obese individuals (who may not be necessarily diabetic) to induce weight loss. Metformin decreases the production of glucose in the liver, decreases the absorption of glucose in the intestine, and improves insulin sensitivity through increasing muscle glucose uptake and use. Metformin induces weight loss most likely through a loss of adipose tissue rather than a change in energy expenditure, as is seen with exercise.

Your BMI is 22, which is pretty much normal. As far as your BMI is within normal limits do not worry. If your BMI goes below normal then you approach your doctor who may change your medications. Metformin is the safest and most widely used anti-diabetic drug. Do not worry.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sanjay Kini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 1354 Questions

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What Causes Weight Loss In A Diabetic?

Brief Answer: Keep BMI within normal limits. Nothing to worry Detailed Answer: Hello Dear. Weight loss is common in diabetics as the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is increased in diabetics. People with diabetes receive mixed messages about weight loss from magazines, newspapers, friends, family, and, yes, even health professionals. Few subjects have accumulated as much misleading and potentially dangerous folklore as the subject of obesity. A common message is that losing weight is just a matter of willpower, and if you have been losing weight and reach a plateau, it's because you've lost your willpower and are no longer following your diet. So the main take home message is try to maintain your BMI within the normal limit. Normal BMI is from 18.5 to 25. Hope you know how to calculate BMI. Body mass index (BMI)= weight in kgs/ height in meter square. In the end, setting realistic weight goals and aiming for moderation is generally the best approach: eating a healthful diet, being more physically active, and keeping food records along with blood glucose records so that blood glucose levels can be kept under optimal control and medications can be added or adjusted when needed. Eating fewer calories and getting regular physical activity improves blood glucose control independent of body weight and weight loss. Regards- Dr Sanjay Kini