Weight gain in type 2 diabetic

by gerald bangs
(plant city, fl usa)

QUESTION: Even though my calorie count is below or at a losing weight level, I do not lose weight and gain a little each week.

I watch my carbohydrate intake very carefully and rarely eat sweets. My blood sugar is in the 90s every day.

My intake of fats is very low. Iam 5'7", down from 5'9". I weigh in the low 180s at present. I exercise in the pool every morning, with some swimming and some exercises.

Perhaps I am eating the wrong kind of food. Are there some foods that I must avoid? Even those with low carb and fat?

I am male, 85 years old. Have been overweight most of my life, though was down to 165 a few years ago.

Most of my my excess weight is around the abdomen and upper hips, the most dangerous. I take actos and glipizide.


ANSWER: Hi Gerald,

At your age, the metabolism of your body works at low capacity. This explains why it is difficult for you to lose weight.

Another reason is related to the fat accumulated for a long time since you were younger. At this moment, it is difficult to take off this fat from you body.

Keep in mind that the food and exercise activity are not the only things that interfere with weight gain.

Diabetes itself influence the fat metabolism, depositing sugar as fat in the fatty tissue.

On the other hand, the diabetic medications you are taking, and the related liver metabolism are other possible factors explaining your weight gain.

Particularly, many diabetic patients have reported to gain weight while being on Actos and also on glipizide.

Therefore, talk to your doctor to see any other alternative for you. Meanwhile, go on with this healthy regime for not facing other problems in future.

All the best!

Dr.Alba