Hi, a newbie here. I’d like to discuss weight gain.

[Van]

I’m using NovoRapid daily and Lantus at night. I’m 69yrs old and had a diabetic diagnosis in December 2022. Type 1. Big shock. I’ve gained 7st. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[helli]

Welcome to the forum @Van

Diabetes diagnosis is often a shock and takes some getting used to.
However, it is not as common to gain weight with Type 1 if we take the appropriate insulin.
Are you carb counting or on fixed doses? Do you find you need to "feed your insulin" to avoid hypos.

As Type 1 is managed with insulin not diet, losing weight with Type 1 should be the same as losing weight without diabetes apart from making sure you adjust your insulin appropriately if you eat less. You may also find you need less basal when you have lost weight.

 

[Van]

Whenever I cut down on my portion sizes I have a lot more hypos. So I end up having more sweets and juices to bring my numbers back up. I’m struggling to find a balance.

 

[helli]

Whenever I cut down on my portion sizes I have a lot more hypos. So I end up having more sweets and juices to bring my numbers back up. I’m struggling to find a balance.

Sounds like you need to reduce your insulin further when you cut down on your portion sizes to avoid feeding the insulin.
Do you carb count or do you take fixed doses?

 

[Van]

Thanks for your reply, will take your advice and try cutting my insulin a little more, I carb count.

 

[helli]

Thanks for your reply, will take your advice and try cutting my insulin a little more, I carb count.

Have you done a basal test recently?
You may find your basal needs reducing a bit too and just changing your bolus will be building on unstable foundations.

 

[Van]

I have been waiting for a diabetes nurse to respond to my emails, she has literally sent me an appointment. I can discuss this further with her next week.