This article investigates the connection between weight loss and diabetes. If you experience a major drop in weight without any major diet or exercise changes, please note that this is not normal. If this unexpected weight loss is taking place, you must meet your doctor immediately.
Weight loss of a pound or two is not a reason for worry. But unexpected weight loss of 10 Pounds or more is an indication that something is wrong with your body.
One important reason for this unexpected weight loss is that it could be an early sign of diabetes. This weight loss can occur relatively quickly (from a few weeks to a couple of months)
If you have type 2 diabetes your body can’t use insulin effectively. As a result, glucose builds up in your blood. When cells are not getting glucose the body will think that it is starving and will find a way out. This forces the body to produce energy by burning fat and muscle. This is how diabetes results in unexplained weight loss.
Your kidney also begins working overtime to eliminate the excess sugar in your blood. This uses additional energy and can cause damage to the kidneys.
Type 1 diabetes also creates a similar situation in your body. In fact, unexplained weight loss is more commonly found in people with type 1 diabetes.
Weight loss is not a standalone symptom with diabetes patients. It is often accompanied by other symptoms like excessive thrust or hunger, slow healing of cuts and bruises, excessive urination, unusual fatigue, etc.
Please note that unexpected weight loss is not a sign of only diabetes. It may also point to other issues such as cancer, gastrointestinal tract diseases, metabolism disorders, or thyroid disorders.
If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, please don’t start eating unhealthy fats just to put the pounds back on. First, you must consult your physician.
If you are interested, we invite you to read our list of foods that lower diabetes.
