Unexplained: Diabetes And Weight Loss, Reasons And Causes

In a world where we’re obsessed with the way we look, weight is seen as the enemy and weight loss is seen as a positive. We indulge during the holidays and eat too much mithai; we push a little harder at the gym to lose the excess kilos.

However, if you notice you are losing weight without changing your diet or exerting more, it may be a sign of early diabetes. Diabetes and weight loss are interlinked - one of the top searches related to it is “weight loss diabetes,” pointing to the fact that many people experience it.

There are a lot of other questions related to diabetes that are often puzzling to people living with the disorder: Can diabetes cause weight loss? Is weight loss in diabetes good or bad?

Whether it’s type 2 diabetes weight loss or weight loss due to diabetes in general, we’re here to give you the reasons and causes behind it.

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What Is Unexplained Weight Loss?

It refers to an unintentional decrease in body weight and can be a warning sign of diabetes. Weight loss, diabetes - how does it work? In diabetics, insufficient insulin prevents the body from drawing blood glucose into the body’s cells to use as energy.

When this happens, the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy, causing weight to drop. This kind of weight loss diabetes issue is common in type diabetes, but may also occur amongst type 2 diabetes patients.

Managing Weight Loss

Here’s how to stop weight loss in diabetes: get your blood sugar under control, with the help of your doctor. Some people may be able to manage with simple lifestyle changes like an improved diet and exercise.

Others may require insulin supplements to take care of weight loss diabetes issues.

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Weight loss is just one of the symptoms of diabetes. Other symptoms include fatigue, blurry vision, extreme thirst and hunger and others. Remember that unexplained weight loss is not normal, and if you or any of your family members are experiencing it, you must consult a doctor.

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FAQs

What type of diabetes causes weight loss?

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can result in weight loss.

How can a diabetic lose weight fast?

Diabetics tend to lose weight fast because of an imbalance in insulin and blood glucose levels in the body.

How much does weight loss affect blood sugar?

Studies suggest that if you are pre-diabetic or diabetic, losing 5-10% body weight can help manage and improve your blood sugar levels.

Can diabetes cause rapid weight loss?

Yes. Sudden and unexpected weight loss could be a warning sign of diabetes. Since diabetics do not have enough insulin, this prevents the body from drawing glucose from the blood into the body’s cells to use as energy. Thus, the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy, causing sudden weight loss.

What are the possible causes of unexplained weight loss?

Unexplained weight loss, which happens unintentionally and without much of a change in your diet or exercise routine, can be an indicator that all is not well with your health. It could be a symptom of diabetes, celiac disease, cancer, hyperthyroidism, chronic diarrhoea and others. You should consult your doctor if you notice yourself or anyone around you suddenly losing weight.