How to lose weight on insulin?

[Jamie's mom]

I'm having such a hard time trying to lose weight.
I just keep gaining since I've been on insulin.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Maura

[Richard157]

Hello Maura. I have the same problem. I gained 57 pounds after starting modern day insulins. I have had Type 1 for 62 years and I used pork insulin for many years, I did not gain weight on that insulin. The weight gain caused me to develop insulin resistance, a symptom of Type 2. I am now a "double diabetic". That is an official term. I started counting carbs more seriously than before. I limited myself tp 150 carbs per day. I bought a treadmill and gradually reached the point where I can walk a mile in 20 minutes with a 7.0 incline. I am 68 so I do not want to push myself further. I had a heart check-up before doing anything streneous. My heart is good. I walked 3 miles per day outdoors this spring, summer and fall. I have lost 26 pounds. I have 31 more pounds to lose. I have found that if I can reduce my insulin intake then I lose weight. By limiting my carbs I am using less insulin. That results in weight loss. I want to lose at least 10 more pounds and then if I cannot lose more I will be satisfied. I have lost 5 inches in my waist. If I was going to try something new then I would count calories as well as carbs. Keeping charts of everything I eat along with all my diabetes information (Testing results, carbs eaten, etc.) helps.

Good luck!

Richard

[Jeff]

Have you considered using Symlin?

[hypercarmona]

I agree with Richard. Smaller portion sizes and fewer starchy carbs and snacks along with exercise helps a great deal. This may be more difficult if you're on an insulin like NPH, which gives you a little less flexibility in eating and exercise than an insulin like Lantus or an insulin pump.

Also, if your dosages aren't fine tuned to what you need, try and get to that point by working with your doctor or CDE. That way you aren't constantly eating to treat lows or correcting to fix highs, which can lead to weight gain.

[Richard157]

Portion control is an important factor. Look at the following site:

http://www.platemethod.com

Richard

[Brensdad]

Have you considered using Symlin?

That's exactly what I was going to suggest. I works by slowing the rate at which your stomach empties after a meal, so it prevents post-meal spikes and keeps you full longer. Beware of post-meal lows.