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T1D - Continued weight loss

Besty W

Well-Known Member
Messages
47
Location
Leicestershire
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi I was diagnosed in October 2016 as T1D after loosing 3 stone I went to the docs. I've been on insulin since, however my replacement clothes are now getting loose and I've lost a further 4-5lbs.

Has anyone any experience with this?
 
I regained my 20#s in 2 months and then it stopped.

Are you eating enough protein and fat?

What's your diet like? How are your blood sugars?
 
Are you eating normally? How are your blood sugars?

I ate extra carbs to,regain my lost weight and that worked well.

Do you have any other symptoms along with the weight loss?
 
I'm eating more than pre diagnosis, and an improved diet, blood sugars at averaging around 6.5-7 over past 14 and 30 days? Breakfast is bran flakes, granary roll with chicken lunch, usually something traditional at night, fish / roast dinner etc
I've got no other symptoms that I've noticed, it's left me a bit stumped
 
I regained my 20#s in 2 months and then it stopped.

Are you eating enough protein and fat?

What's your diet like? How are your blood sugars?

Im eating lots of meat and tend to snack on chicken satis, legs wings,? Also peanuts and nut bars.

I used to drink a few lagers (3-4) at the weekend, but I've been tee total since diagnosis,

Is there anything you would recommend.
 
I'm eating more than pre diagnosis, and an improved diet, blood sugars at averaging around 6.5-7 over past 14 and 30 days? Breakfast is bran flakes, granary roll with chicken lunch, usually something traditional at night, fish / roast dinner etc
I've got no other symptoms that I've noticed, it's left me a bit stumped

Strange and can see why your stumped.

I started to put the weight back on as I started on insulin, it's was gradual but nonetheless it came back on. Worth mentioning the continued weight loss to your Dr.
 
I lost a lot of weigh t prediagnosis and after but then it stabilised so now I'm lighter but just in normal bmi range. Just wondering how does your bmi more fit with the published range. My dsn told me T1D folk are rarely above the normal range.
 
I'm eating more than pre diagnosis, and an improved diet, blood sugars at averaging around 6.5-7 over past 14 and 30 days? Breakfast is bran flakes, granary roll with chicken lunch, usually something traditional at night, fish / roast dinner etc
I've got no other symptoms that I've noticed, it's left me a bit stumped

Have you used something like MyFitnessPal to check the calories, etc? That way you'd at least know you're eating a sufficient amount. You can also use it to set targets.

I'm very slim and when I try to put on weight, I find keeping records for a few days invaluable.

Upping your carbs should help. I have two snacks plus three meals a day.

The other thing to suggest is a coeliac test if you haven't had one. Always worth ruling that out.
 
I'm eating more than pre diagnosis, and an improved diet, blood sugars at averaging around 6.5-7 over past 14 and 30 days? Breakfast is bran flakes, granary roll with chicken lunch, usually something traditional at night, fish / roast dinner etc
I've got no other symptoms that I've noticed, it's left me a bit stumped

Besty - I'm not T1, but would like to make a general observation.

You talk about eating an improved diet, the further down that you've stooped drinking. I don't know what you've given up, in addition to beer, but beer is highly calorific.

Have you considered that you might just not be eating enough to keep your weight level?

As I say; just an observation.
 
I lost a lot of weigh t prediagnosis and after but then it stabilised so now I'm lighter but just in normal bmi range. Just wondering how does your bmi more fit with the published range. My dsn told me T1D folk are rarely above the normal range.

My current Bmi is 22 with 10% body fat, pre diabetes it was 27 with 18% body fat, I was still slender at that, previously cycled average 40+ miles a week.

I haven't managed to get any exercise since either as I go low after a couple of miles walking the dog. I'm getting quite frustrated about it all
 
Have you used something like MyFitnessPal to check the calories, etc? That way you'd at least know you're eating a sufficient amount. You can also use it to set targets.

I'm very slim and when I try to put on weight, I find keeping records for a few days invaluable.

Upping your carbs should help. I have two snacks plus three meals a day.

The other thing to suggest is a coeliac test if you haven't had one. Always worth ruling that out.

I've tried upping carbs but it sends my sugars 10+ two hours later so I reduced that back down to keep in range. Think I'm going to have another trip to the docs
 
Besty - I'm not T1, but would like to make a general observation.

You talk about eating an improved diet, the further down that you've stooped drinking. I don't know what you've given up, in addition to beer, but beer is highly calorific.

Have you considered that you might just not be eating enough to keep your weight level?

As I say; just an observation.

Thanks for the comments, ill log my food to check this, it might be as you say reduced calories with some items removed from my diet
 
With what you say about hypos and then post prandial levels I wonder if you're happy that your basal levels are right? I found basal testing has really stayed things for me and gives me confidence to eat and exercise a bit more. My dsn helped organise a freestyle libre free trial that really helped me see patterns
Good luck with it, sounds really frustrating
 
With what you say about hypos and then post prandial levels I wonder if you're happy that your basal levels are right? I found basal testing has really stayed things for me and gives me confidence to eat and exercise a bit more. My dsn helped organise a freestyle libre free trial that really helped me see patterns
Good luck with it, sounds really frustrating

Thanks for the advice col101, as I'm newly diagnosed I'm not able to adjust my basal levels yet, I'm currently on 4 units at bedtime and typically go to bed around 6.5 and wake up the same. I'll call my Dsn on Monday to see if this needs adjusting
 
Hi @Besty W

standing back from this and reading through the entire topic I would suggest that it is only 4 months since diagnosis , and perhaps you are needing to give yourself a bit more time. Generally the weight does come back on after starting insulin but we are all different , and as long as you feel healthy and are managing your lifestyle -- just taking it slow for now and gradually increasing your calories over the next couple of months could shift the balance.
 
Hi @Besty W

standing back from this and reading through the entire topic I would suggest that it is only 4 months since diagnosis , and perhaps you are needing to give yourself a bit more time. Generally the weight does come back on after starting insulin but we are all different , and as long as you feel healthy and are managing your lifestyle -- just taking it slow for now and gradually increasing your calories over the next couple of months could shift the balance.

Thanks for the advice, it's so frustrating as I'm not able to exercise without going low, and I'm still loosing weight, I've got my first HB1 coming up in the first week of Feb, so hopefully results are good and can increase calories more
 
I've tried upping carbs but it sends my sugars 10+ two hours later so I reduced that back down to keep in range. Think I'm going to have another trip to the docs

Are you on fixed doses of insulin then? If so, stick to your carb allowance. But if not, you should be able to up carbs slightly with appropriate bolus adjustment - both amount and timing (ie advance bolusing). Some extra carbs should put the weight on, and as long as you spread them over the day and don't go overboard, your BS should be ok if you manage your insulin appropriately.

Adding some fat might also help eg having full fat milk if you're not already, and adding cheese, nuts, etc

Your food intake sounds quite moderate, so,perhaps you just need to eat a little more and you'll be ok :)

If unsure, check with your DSN as always.
 
Thanks for the advice, it's so frustrating as I'm not able to exercise without going low, and I'm still loosing weight, I've got my first HB1 coming up in the first week of Feb, so hopefully results are good and can increase calories more
it has been a few years since I have experienced that -- but for many years I could not exercise without going hypo --- ( sorry for being repetitive ) but remember it is only a few months ............... cut yourself some slack --- you'll get there :)
 
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