Diabetes and Weight Loss

Weight loss is not always a time to rejoice especially if it is caused by diabetes. If you see for yourself that you are losing weight without putting in any effort then it is definitely a thing of concern. Don’t be overjoyed just because you are losing weight. Look for these symptoms- do you feel hungry or thirsty very often? Are you urinating frequently? Do you feel lethargic all the time? If you do then you definitely need to check your blood sugar level. Diabetes is bad for women who are pregnant because it can affect both the mother and her unborn child.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. There are three types of diabetes, type1, type2 and gestational diabetes. But Type2 diabetes is most common of all diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells to produce energy) or your body does not produce enough insulin to maintain the glucose level. There is no cure to diabetes, but you can prevent it by leading an active life. You should eat healthy food, exercise regularly and maintain your weight. If these changes in your lifestyle do not help, then it is time to go on medication or insulin therapy to control your blood sugar level.

Type-1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes occurs mainly in children or young people. In this type, the pancreas gland which normally secretes insulin produces little or no insulin. Your genes, exposure to certain viruses etc. may contribute to this type of diabetes. This type too has no cure, but it can be managed like the type2 diabetes. Common symptoms are –unexplained weight loss or weight fluctuations, increased thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, frequent infections and poor wound healing, blurry vision, red swollen gums and altered mental status.

Gestational diabetes is specific to women. It develops during pregnancy and raises your blood sugar level which can affect your pregnancy and can also harm the development of the baby in the womb. This can be controlled by controlled by eating healthy food, exercising and medication. The high blood sugar level returns to normal soon after delivery.