Why Do Diabetic Patients Gain Weight?

Generally, possible reasons for weight gain in diabetic patients may include dietary factors, medication factors, insufficient exercise, complications, and metabolic changes. Details are as follows:

1. Dietary factors: Some diabetic patients lack dietary discipline after diagnosis and consume excessive high-calorie, high-fat foods, especially trans fatty acids and refined carbohydrates, leading to energy surplus. It is necessary to adjust the dietary structure by increasing the intake of low-sugar, high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while reducing the consumption of high-calorie and high-fat foods.

2. Medication factors: Certain antidiabetic medications, such as insulin and sulfonylureas, may promote fat storage, leading to weight gain, sometimes accompanied by hypoglycemic symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. Patients should consult with their doctors about adjusting antidiabetic medication regimens. These medications can help reduce weight or fat while increasing insulin sensitivity.

3. Insufficient exercise: Some diabetic patients reduce their physical activity due to concerns about hypoglycemia or other reasons, leading to insufficient energy expenditure and weight gain. This may also be accompanied by decreased physical function and weakened muscle strength. A suitable exercise plan should be developed, such as at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, combined with strength training to increase energy expenditure and improve physical function.

4. Complications: Diabetic patients who develop severe complications, such as diabetic nephropathy, may experience elevated creatinine levels, water and sodium retention, resulting in generalized edema and weight gain, which may also be accompanied by symptoms such as swelling and hypertension. Active treatment of diabetic complications is required, including controlling blood glucose and blood pressure, and improving kidney function. At the same time, attention should be paid to adjusting dietary and medication plans to avoid increasing the burden on the kidneys.

5. Metabolic changes: Diabetes may cause metabolic alterations, making the body more prone to fat accumulation, often accompanied by metabolic syndrome symptoms such as dyslipidemia and hypertension. Lifestyle improvements are necessary, including increased physical activity to enhance metabolism and reduce fat accumulation. Additionally, under medical guidance, metabolic-regulating medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, and testosterone undecanoate soft capsules may be used.

During treatment, close attention should be paid to the patient's weight changes, and timely adjustments to the treatment plan should be made to control weight and prevent related complications.