There is no better way for managing blood sugar levels than insulin. However, there is one well-recorded side effect of insulin therapy. It is weight gain. Although it is perfectly normal, it is unwanted by most.
Quitting insulin is not an option. With that off the table, let’s take a look at three successful ways to combat insulin-caused weight gain.
Gather all the Information
If you do not know much about nutrients and how insulin and diabetes affect their absorption, you should seek the help of a professional. Condition like diabetes puts additional obstacles on losing weight.
Getting advice from your doctor is a good way to start. More specialized help could be useful too. Consult a nutritionist, diabetes educator, endocrinologist, and even a psychologist.
Get Calories under Control
Eating less calories than your body needs to maintain the same mass will lead to weight loss. After educating yourself about the food, you should eat with diabetes, make a meal plan and stick to it.
Foods like vegetables, nuts, low-fat dairy products, lean meats rich in protein, and whole grains are great at keeping carbs under control. Drinking plenty of water is important too.
Choose the Right Exercise
Exercise speeds up metabolism, burns calories, and increases insulin sensitivity. Anything that increases your activity level is a good exercise.
You don’t have to run. Walking, riding a bicycle, dancing, and swimming are all good. Lifting weights will increase your muscle mass and raise your daily calorie needs.
The Final Word
The benefits of insulin therapy do not have to be followed by weight gain. There are ways to reverse weight gain and achieve permanent benefits from your diabetes treatment. Get the information, eat right, and follow through. The results might surprise you.
