Ever wonder what makes some people so slim while others remain obese? The secret is in their genes. Some people are just born to be skinny and some are born to be fat. That’s certainly not a comfortable thought, is it? But it’s the truth. What’s more, there are actually doctors and medical conditions that allow you to undergo weight loss surgery. If you’re interested, the following are the details you need to know.
Diabetes Pre-Diabetes And Type 2 Diabetes
It is well established that people with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. This is mainly due to poor blood glucose control (high blood sugar levels). However, it has also been shown that these individuals are more likely to lose weight than those who don’t have the disease. It’s a two-edged sword, really. Too much weight loss can put you at additional risk, but so can too little. Most people with diabetes are prescribed insulin to help them manage their blood sugar levels. However, there are also doctors and alternative treatments that can help with weight loss as well. If you’re interested in trying anything new, be sure to consult with your physician first.
How Does Insulin Work In The Body?
Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The pancreas produces insulin in response to rising blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar levels are low, the pancreas stops producing insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise. When this happens, you’ll experience symptoms such as craving for sweets and an upset stomach. This is when you need to take insulin to lower your blood sugar levels. It’s a simple concept, really.
Weight Loss Surgery For Those With Diabetes
There is medical weight loss surgery that can help people with diabetes lose weight and keep it off. The most common operations are gastric bypass and gastric banding. In gastric bypass, the surgeon makes an incision in the stomach and rearranges the anatomy to bring the portion of the small intestine closest to the esophagus. This effectively reduces the amount of food that the person can eat without causing the heartburn or other gastrointestinal complications that result from obesity. Gastric banding works similarly, but instead of rearranging the digestive track, the surgeon places a band around the upper part of the stomach. These operations are not for everyone, of course. They’re extremely invasive and involve a whole host of risks that the individual needs to be prepared to accept. But for those who meet the criteria and are willing to take the risk, these procedures can be extremely effective. The benefits of these procedures clearly outweigh the risks for people with diabetes who are seeking a healthier lifestyle. Some insurance companies even cover the costs of these procedures for those with diabetes.
The Downsides Of Insulin
Although insulin is a necessary hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, it doesn’t always work for everyone. If you’re experiencing any of the following side effects, you might need to consider alternative treatments or try a different medicine:
- Feeling sad or depressed
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- Eructations (popping sounds or acid reflux)
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increase in blood fats (lipids)
- Elevation of blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Diarrhea
- Urine retention (polyuria)
- Headache
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Constipation
- Increased risk of infection
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Tiredness
- Alopecia (hair loss)
Healthy Living & Lifestyle
Keeping your body healthy is an important part of weight loss. Eating healthy foods and getting plenty of sleep will help you to lose weight and keep it off. You should also try to be active daily. Find a fitness routine that works for you and stick with it. Also, be sure to consult your doctor about any weight loss supplements or herbal remedies that you might be taking. They might have medications or supplements that could interact with your weight loss medication or insulin injections. Finally, don’t give up! Even if you’re not seeing significant results, it’s still important to keep trying. It’s a long road to wellness and you’re going to have to be patient.