I am almost 60 years old. Never been a "big" guy. I am 5'11" and never weighed more than 10.5 stones in my life. As a recently (yesterday!!!) diagnosed T2 diabetic, currently at about 9 stones, all the forums talk about weight loss. I need the reverse! Any ideas?
Hi Paul, welcome to the forum
🙂 What were the circumstances leading up to your diagnosis, had you had symptoms for long? Do you know what the test numbers were? Do you have an family history of diabetes? Sorry for the interrogation!
🙄 Around 20% of people are at normal weight, or even underweight when diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it's far more complicated than just 'weight and exercise', but that never comes across in any of the campaigns - but you're certainly not alone. Sometimes, what can happen is that, as the body is unable to use the glucose efficiently for an energy source it turns to burning body fat, and even other body tissue, like muscle fibre. With all diabetes there is a genetic element involved (otherwise, if it was purely down to 'lifestyle' something like 50% of the population would have it, it's actually more like 6-8%).
You do sound on the 'underweight' side of things, with your current weight and height. I am also a 'skinny', although Type 1 - I weigh around 9st 11 lbs and am 5'9". Hopefully, once you get your blood glucose levels under control and your body starts using the fuel you are supplying more efficiently, you will gain weight. Have you been given any medication?
There's a possibility that you may be a slow-onset Type 1, possibly related to the pancreatitis - are the medics doing any further investigation?
