How to Lose Weight While Taking Insulin

how to lose weight while taking insulin

Taking your diabetes medication and staying on your healthy weight is not impossible. Learn how to lose weight while taking insulin right now!

You have been diagnosed with diabetes and you are taking your medication to take of your health. But, now you are also worried about packing on the pounds because of it. Learn how to lose weight while taking insulin and how to manage your sugar levels at the same time.

Insulin and weight gain are two subjects that often go hand in hand for many diabetics. In fact, it is believed that one of the most common side effects of taking insulin is gaining weight, but… Why does it happen? Does insulin cause weight gain in type 2 diabetes patients?

Truth is that, using insulin does come with a number of side effects that may be unwanted to some, and unfortunately, it is a necessary measure to take during diabetes management.

Skipping your medication or altering your doses to avoid weight gain is not only NOT recommended, but it is actually dangerous and could potentially be fatal if things get out of control.

Insulin and weight gain may be two things that you don’t want to happen together or be in correlation with each other, but there is not a real reason to panic. There are many ways you can adopt (or add) to your current lifestyle that will help you keep the pounds off.

So, does insulin cause weight gain in type 2 diabetes patients? The simple answer is: possibly. Insulin causes fluid retention in your body which, obviously, will make you feel bloated and heavier.

At the same time, not all the calories of your regular diet are consumed the same way, which is why it is important to readjust the way you eat when you are first diagnosed with diabetes.

How to lose weight while taking insulin does not have to be challenge. There are small changes you can make today to start seeing (and feeling!) different.

Watch what you eat

That means not only counting the calories (which is extremely important) but also forget about skipping meals and ignoring carbs. Remember that your body needs energy, and if you suspend the intake of it, it will store the little amount it gets instead of using it right away.

Develop a nutritional plan

Working alongside your Physical and Specialist is a great way to start managing your insulin intake. They have the experience and knowledge to help you develop an eating plan that will help you take your medication without packing on those unwanted pounds.

Maintain your sugar levels

Remember that abrupt changes in your sugar levels can lead to weight gain. It is important that you keep track of your numbers and know when to eat to steady these levels without overcompensating by eating too much.

Increase your activity level

Now that you have been diagnosed and you are taking your medication, it is important to restart your activity level. Exercise is a highly important factor on how to lose weight while taking insulin because it compensates by helping you burn those extra calories that insulin makes you store.

Furthermore, being active through a short but frequent workout routine, will enhance the way your metabolism works, ensuring that you burn off the energy that you consume and than you pack only what is necessary to keep your system working appropriately.

Insulin and weight gain do not have to be factors that control your life or that make your anxiety levels go up the roof. Truth is, with the right type of treatment and adopting healthier eating and exercise habits, you can lead a happy life without all the side effects of your medication.

Talk to your Doctor, and develop the plan that best works for you and your needs.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/tips-for-managing-insulin-weight-gain

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/type-2-diabetes-management/prevent-insulin-weight-gain/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/insulin-and-weight-gain/art-20047836

http://www.diabetescare.net/authors/amy-hess-fischl/losing-weight-while-on-insulin

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