How do you gain weight with Diabetes?

Bettebee · #1 (**permalink**) 01-25-2007, 08:12 AM

I used to weigh 128 lbs. Then I got diabetes 2 about a year ago. I lost 22 lbs. Since then I cannot gain any weight. I eat very well, in fact I am hungry most of the time and I snack.
I am on Avandamet 2mg/500mg in the morning and Metforman 500mg in the evening.
I try to just eat heathy food and no sugar or candy. I do use Slenda in small amounts. I use Whole wheat flour and if any pasta it is whole wheat . I eat some fruit for desert. All kinds of nuts for snacks.
My morning BS is always some high 135-150. Before meals it is lower. At bedtime it is high.
I have only been on meds for the past 4 months. Meds have helped some, but not as I would want them to.
Anyone know how to gain weight? I am a very active person in my early 80's and maybe when you get to be my age and get diabetes you just lose weight and never will gain any????
God Bless!
Betty in Florida

ProudNanaof5 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-25-2007, 08:59 AM

Well Betty, I have type1 but before I went on insulin I was losing 2 lbs a week. I had lost over 150 lbs before I went to the dr. And I was hungry all the time and ate lots and still lost the weight. Once you get your bs in control you will be able to control your weight, too. Once I was put on insulin I have gained 50 lbs back. I was dehydrated and muscles were deteriating. I didn't have the strength to walk 50 steps before having to rest. Now I feel much better and alot more stronger. I still believe you will do much better when you get your bs in control. How many times do you test aday? That is one of the keys to getting your bs in control. Good Luck..

princesslinda · #3 (**permalink**) 01-25-2007, 09:03 AM

Hi Bettebee:
Gosh, I sure would like to have your problem for a few weeks! I'm sure it is just as difficult for some to gain it as it is for me to lose it. Perhaps you could supplement your diet with some of the low-carb shakes like Boost or Glucerna makes, esp. for diabetics. I drink the EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control drinks that have only 4 carbs, no sugar. I use this as my breakfast some days, but you could maybe drink a couple a day as a snack or something. It might help. I think the metformin has a side-effect of weight loss...I have lost 40 lbs since starting it in Sept of last year (but i've really cut my food intake and exercised a lot as well).

mzizgayle · #4 (**permalink**) 01-25-2007, 09:16 AM

I also had/have that problem!!! I weighed 142, tho doctors never considered that a problem since I was very active and exercised but the weight did not come off. Then when diagnosed with diabetes and on metformin, within 2 months lost 22 lbs like it was nothing, The doctor then took me off meds to see if diet and exercise would do it since I had good tests...big mistake since I could not control my bs by still eating the right amount of carbs/calories - lost 8 lbs in one week! so back on meds, tho changed to different type metformin and larger dosage, and so far have been able to eat the amount of calories/carbs to maintain my new weight without too much problem, tho I have not weighted this week to see.

Take the weight you want to be, multiply by 10 if not active, or multiply by 13 if moderately active or a woman over 55. This gives you the amount of calories you need to maintain your weight. (then divide the calories in half since half of calories should be carbs for the day, spread out for meals, snacks - then divide that in 4 since a carb equals 4 calories. this gives you the amount of carbs needed. example me: 112lb times 13 equal 1456, then 1/2 equals 728 divided by 4 equals 182 carbs for the day. If the food item does have a lot of fiber you can subtract that from the carb amt shown on the label.

I do tend to keep my carbs lower but try to maintain my calories and that should help you maintain your weight or even help you gain some.

kgm0612 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-25-2007, 10:23 AM

Betty...........God Bless you for being 80 years old and computer lit! LOL

My mom, although not diabetic, is 83 and has lost 10lbs in the last couple of months. She has had a bunch of tests done lately and the doctors cannot find anything wrong thus far. Her GP says it's "old age". She is a very good eater but can't seem to gain any weight.

I'm a pumper but also take 500mg of Metformin 2x day. My endo kept me on it because he said studies show it helps to maintain weight without gaining. When I was first dx'd four years ago, I weighed 138lbs and lost 20lbs within a matter of a couple of months. My weight has stayed the same, give or take a pound or two, since I started pumping 15 months ago. I do walk every evening for exercise, so that must play a factor in it also.

Karen

Cyborg · #6 (**permalink**) 01-25-2007, 07:01 PM

To gain weight without having a major effect on your bg, try introducing fatty foods like nuts, avocados, olives, olive oil, etc. into your diet.

seltaeb · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 09:31 AM

I also need to gain some weight, having lost 23 pds. since early Oct., but I have to stay low on the fat since I had a stent put in an artery. I've tried to eat more healthy fats and calories, but I'm not gaining any pounds. I guess I shouldn't complain since I always wanted to be thin and now I'am. My family used to keep on me to lose a few pounds, now they're constantly on me to gain weight.