by BHAGWANT
Weight loss about 12–13 kg.
Blood sugar level 91–128 in December 2011. In April 2011 it was 565.
Eating no sugar products. Please help me to increase my weight.
—Bhagwant
My weight loss in diabetes—what do I do to increase my weight?
My blood sugar was 565 in April 2011. Now it is 91 fasting and 128 after a meal. I am 49 years old, male, and now take no medicine. I eat no sugar products or sweets.
—Bhagwant Thakur
Bhagwant, an unplanned loss of 12–13 kg is medically important and should be evaluated before simply trying to regain it. A previous glucose of 565 mg/dL was dangerously high. Current readings of 91 fasting and 128 after eating are reassuring, but two readings cannot prove that diabetes has disappeared.
Please arrange a medical review for HbA1c, repeat laboratory glucose, kidney and liver tests, blood count, thyroid testing, urine testing, and assessment of your diet and weight trend. If your diabetes type is uncertain, ask whether C-peptide or diabetes autoantibody testing is appropriate.
Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc
Hello Bhagwant,
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause weight loss because calories are lost in urine and the body breaks down fat and muscle. Ongoing loss after glucose improves may also reflect under-eating, severe carbohydrate restriction, thyroid disease, malabsorption, infection, depression, medicines, or another condition.
Cancer should not be assumed from age alone. Evaluation should begin with history, examination, basic tests, and age-appropriate screening.
Fasting 91 mg/dL is within the usual range. A result of 128 may be reasonable after a meal, but timing and test method matter.
These values do not erase the previous 565. Ask for HbA1c and keep a structured fasting and after-meal log. Our diabetes blood-test guide explains how HbA1c and laboratory glucose are used.
Some people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission, commonly defined as HbA1c below 6.5% for at least three months without medicine. Remission is not permanent cure, so follow-up continues.
If you may have type 1 or another insulin-deficient form, remaining off insulin could be dangerous. Adults can develop type 1, so uncertain classification should be reviewed.
Unintentional loss above about 5% over 6–12 months deserves assessment. Bring all medicines, herbs, and supplements.
Seek urgent help if glucose again becomes very high—especially near or above 300 mg/dL—with vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, fruity breath, severe thirst, dehydration, confusion, drowsiness, or positive ketones.
Also seek prompt care if weight is still falling rapidly, you cannot eat or drink, have black or bloody stools, persistent fever, severe weakness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Our dangerous blood sugar guide explains the emergency symptoms.
After medical causes are addressed, aim for gradual gain. Many adults can begin by adding about 300–500 nutritious calories daily and adjust from weight and glucose.
The carbohydrate guide explains how to include nutritious carbs. “No sugar” products may still contain carbohydrate or too few calories.
Not reliably. Weight gain requires enough total energy. Protein supports muscle but can affect glucose later, and excess may be unsuitable with kidney disease.
Use balanced protein, carbohydrate, and healthy fat. A diabetes dietitian can set calorie and protein goals from weight, kidney function, and activity.
Avoid strenuous exercise while unexplained loss continues. Once cleared, resistance exercise two or three times weekly can help rebuild muscle; match aerobic activity to calories and glucose.
Remember: first explain the 12–13 kg loss and confirm diabetes status. Then regain gradually with a modest calorie surplus, balanced foods, and resistance exercise—not sweets, excessive protein, or lost follow-up.
Safety note: General education only. Unintentional 12–13 kg weight loss and a history of glucose 565 mg/dL require individual medical evaluation.
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