You are here: PharmacyArticlesDiabetes CanadaType 1 Diabetes and Weight Loss Read more articles on: Diabetes Canada Published on: July 14, 2020 Last Updated On: September 8, 2020 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. Type 1 Diabetes and Weight Loss Losing weight can be difficult and suffering from Type 1 diabetes can make it even more challenging. The prevalence of obesity has increased in people with Type 1 diabetes in the last 20 years. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas cannot produce insulin, which is a hormone responsible for managing blood sugar levels. In the absence of insulin, the body cells cannot use glucose, increasing its level in blood.Certain factors, such as carbohydrate intake and lifestyle, can increase the risk of weight gain with Type 1 diabetes. But the good news is, with lifestyle and dietary modifications, you can lose weight. Moreover, losing even 5% – 10% of the initial weight aids in better glycemic control.Table of Contents Type 1 Diabetes and Weight GainType 1 Diabetes and ExerciseTypes of ExercisesPrecautions While Working OutType 1 Diabetes and Diet CarbohydratesFatsProteinsTips for a Healthy MealType 1 Diabetes and Weight GainVarious factors may influence weight when you have Type 1 diabetes. Some of them are:Insulin types and unitsMeal timingsActivity levelTotal calorie and fat intakeAlcohol consumptionSugar intakeSleep qualityStress levelsType 1 Diabetes and ExerciseStaying active when you have Type 1 diabetes aids in losing weight as well as lowers the chance of complications, such as high blood pressure and vision loss. Regular exercise can also improve the quality of your life.Types of ExercisesHowever, strenuous activities can drop your sugar levels, resulting in hypoglycemia. So, it is essential to consult your doctor before starting to exercise. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes are generally recommended to carry out moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercises for at least 150 minutes per week. Some examples include: SwimmingJoggingDancingCyclingWalkingPlaying soccer or basketballIn addition, two to three sessions of resistance exercises are also recommended. Some examples include:Resistance band exercisesBody-weight exercisesWeight lifting ALSO READ Type 1 Diabetes and Magnesium DeficiencyPrecautions While Working OutVarious workouts can influence your blood sugar levels in unique ways, based on intensity, type, and duration for which they are carried out. Although exercising may increase your sugar levels, hypoglycemia is a more common consequence.Here are some tips to prevent low blood sugar levels while working out:Check your sugar levels before starting and every 30 minutes of exercisingMonitor your blood sugar levels hours after exercisingStop exercising if you feel dizzy or uncomfortableFinish workout at least two hours before going to bedHave a fast acting-carbohydrate, such as fruit juice or carbohydrate tablets, handy while exercisingYour doctor may also advise reducing insulin dose on days when you exercise.Type 1 Diabetes and Diet Diet can be a significant contributor to your weight. For instance, high carbohydrate intake results in the fluctuation of sugar levels, which requires more insulin to manage them. Higher doses of insulin results in building muscles as well as fat accumulation, increasing your weight. Being watchful of what you eat helps in losing weight. But, this doesn’t mean going overboard with dietary restriction as nutritional balance is equally important. Following are a few things that can help to lose weight with Type 1 diabetes.Knowing Glycemic Load and Index of Foods Glycemic load and glycemic index are terms that aid in understanding the impact of food on blood sugar levels. Glycemic index (GI) indicates how quickly food can increase sugar levels. While glycemic load (GL) takes into consideration the quantity of carbohydrate in a portion of food in addition to how rapidly it increases blood glucose levels. The glycemic index helps in making food choices, and glycemic load aids in comparing portions of various food items. Food that ranks lower on GI and GL scale are better choices for people with Type 1 diabetes. CarbohydratesCarbohydrates are the prime food category that influences blood sugar. However, they provide energy and other nutrients and thus cannot be eliminated entirely from the diet. The key is to take the right carbohydrate in adequate quantities. There are two main types of carbohydrates, simple and complex.ALSO READ Type 1 Diabetes OverviewComplex CarbohydratesThey include fiber and other nutrients, which slows down their absorption and aid in keeping blood glucose levels more stable. Some common examples include:Brown riceWhole wheatOatmealQuinoaFruitsVegetablesLentilsBeansSimple CarbohydratesThey are devoid of nutrients and thus results in a sudden blood sugar spike. Foods high in simple carbohydrates should, therefore, be avoided if you have Type 1 diabetes. Some of them are:White breadPastaSugarCookiesFlourPastriesFatsFats do not contribute much to blood sugar levels, but aid by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates. However, types of fats may play an essential role in maintaining general health. Some common fat sources to be consumed are:NutsSeedsAvocadoOlive oilSome common fat sources to be avoided are:Animal meat, such as lamb and beefPalm and coconut oilsChicken and pork productsDairy products such as cheese and butterProteinsProtein provides steady energy and has relatively little effect on blood sugar. Healthy proteins that can be consumed with Type 1 diabetes come from a plant source, some of them are:LentilsBeansSeedsNutsSoyPeasSome protein sources to avoid are:Red meatsUltra-pasteurized and non-organic milk CheeseTips for a Healthy MealA healthy meal plan for Type 1 diabetes is like any other diet that helps in preventing long-term disorders. However, those who have Type 1 diabetes should be more aware of the carbohydrate intake so that insulin can be appropriately dosed. For instance, 15 grams of carbohydrate requires one unit of insulin. The ratio may change depending on body weight, duration of diabetes, and physical activity. So, everyone with Type 1 diabetes should know their insulin to carbohydrate ratio.Some other tips include:Include healthy fats, protein, and smaller portion of complex carbohydratesConsume carbohydrates with low GI and GLTry to include proteins and fats from plant sourcesInclude nutrient-dense, colorful foodsALSO READ Type 1 Diabetes and ExerciseTrying to lose weight with Type 1 diabetes may be a challenging task that requires perseverance and dedication. However, committing to a healthy diet and lifestyle will help you with maintaining blood sugar levels as well as the quality of life. Be sure to consult your doctor or a medical professional for guidance before commencing your weight loss journey. We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. Automatic Refills: We manage your refills and get in touch with your doctors for prescription renewals so that you always have the medication you need. Read More... 12795 Views Share