If you have diabetes, managing your weight can be an issue. You may be gaining weight despite eating healthy and exercising regularly. There are many factors other than your blood sugar level that influence your weight. These factors include:
- Thyroid disorders: This is a common problem in people with diabetes. The thyroid is a structure in your neck. It releases thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that control your metabolism and your weight. An imbalance in the levels of thyroid hormone can make you feel lethargic or tired and can contribute to your weight gain. Therefore, if you are gaining weight or are unable to lose weight even after maintaining a healthy lifestyle, get your thyroid hormone (TSH and T4) levels checked.
- Medications: Certain medicines like those used to treat high blood pressure, migraine and anxiety, as well as steroids can cause weight gain. Also, certain medicines prescribed by your doctor to manage your diabetes can cause weight gain. One such drug is pioglitazone. Check whether your doctor has prescribed you pioglitazone, which goes by the brand name Actos. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are gaining weight because of any medications.
- Insulin: When your blood sugar level runs high, your body loses water in its attempt to clear the excess glucose in your blood. Thus, you feel you have lost weight when all you have lost is water. But when you take insulin and your blood sugar level gets normal, your body no longer loses water and you feel as though you’ve gained weight.
Talk to your doctor if you are gaining weight. One of the above may be causing it. Besides maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, try getting adequate sleep and reducing stress. Stress can lead to an increase in appetite which might result in weight gain.