Many diabetics are told to lose weight. There are others however, whose weight has dropped because of the disease, and they need to gain. I was diagnosed with type II diabetes over 2 years ago. I had lost 20 lbs, by the time I was diagnosed. Initially I regained about 12 lbs., but lost it because of the diet the nutritionist put me on.
I was troubled because if I ate the foods that would add weight, it would raise my blood sugar levels. I found I was cutting out a lot of food and not replacing it. My wife began to count my calories, and was alarmed that I was only getting about 1200-1300 calories a day. She said at that rate, I had been losing about a pound a week for some time.
I ran into a childhood friend recently who is dealing with the same issue. He has lost weight because of type II diabetes, and has not yet been able to regain it. He too had been cutting out bad foods, and decreasing calories, without realizing it.
There is help for type II diabetics who are thin and need to add weight. There are foods that have the healthy good fats, and will give you the additional calories you need, without raising your blood glucose levels. Eating only fruits and vegetables will not add the needed calories. Balance is needed.
The Mayo clinic suggests increasing calories in the diet, but not sweets and carbs. They suggest whole grains, olive oil and protein from chicken,rather than beef, whole milk and bacon, white bread and pasta. Nuts, avocado’s and olive oil are high in calories, but are rich in healthy unsaturated fats.
Also recommended is exercising with resistance bands, and weights. This will help the extra weight turn to muscle instead of fat. I use 2 lb hand weights several times a week. Walking is recommended over jogging or running.
I know of two young men who simply stopped taking their medications because they were tired of the routine. Both of them died. Diabetes does not have to be difficult. I am getting used to the changes in diet, and after more than 2 years, it is now normal for me to eat whole grains, and brown rice rather than white bread and rice.
Changing the diet has to be gradual, so your system will adjust.it helps that when my wife shops she purchases the foods I need. I don’t have much choice,but to eat what is in the house. I am glad that nuts have good fats. This way I can snack all I want to and not worry about negative consequences.I have no doubt that soon I will regain just enough of the lost weight, to keep me healthy.
