What are the causes of weight changes in patients with diabetes?

Generally, weight changes in diabetic patients may be caused by excessive dietary control, inappropriate intensity of physical activity, poor blood glucose control, diabetic nephropathy, or abnormal thyroid function accompanying diabetes. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessive Dietary Control: Overly restricting calorie intake to lower blood glucose, or insufficient intake of staple foods and protein, may lead to energy deficiency, weight loss, accompanied by fatigue and dizziness. Under the guidance of a nutritionist, adjust the diet plan to ensure daily caloric and nutritional balance, appropriately increase intake of whole grains, lean meat, eggs, avoid excessive dieting, and body weight can gradually return to a normal range.

2. Inappropriate Exercise Intensity: Long-term high-intensity exercise may lead to excessive energy consumption, while insufficient exercise may result in calorie accumulation, causing weight loss or gain respectively; the former accompanied by fatigue, the latter by reduced physical fitness. Choose suitable exercise intensity according to individual conditions, such as brisk walking, swimming, and other moderate-intensity activities, 3-5 times per week, each session lasting about 30 minutes. Monitor weight changes after exercise and adjust the exercise plan accordingly.

3. Poor Blood Glucose Control: Prolonged high blood glucose levels prevent the body from effectively utilizing glucose, leading to the breakdown of fat and protein for energy, resulting in weight loss accompanied by thirst and frequent urination; if blood glucose is too low, significant hunger may lead to overeating and weight gain. Strictly follow medical advice when using antidiabetic medications, such as Metformin tablets, Aspart Insulin Injection, Gliclazide MR tablets, etc., regularly monitor blood glucose levels to maintain stability, and body weight will gradually stabilize.

4. Diabetic Nephropathy: Impaired kidney function leads to protein loss through urine, along with reduced appetite and poor nutrient absorption, resulting in weight loss accompanied by edema and increased foaming in urine. Patients should follow a high-quality low-protein diet, use insulin injections as directed by a physician to control blood glucose, and take medications such as Irbesartan tablets and Abelmoschus moschatus capsules to reduce urinary protein and protect kidney function. Weight loss may improve as nutritional status improves.

5. Diabetes with Abnormal Thyroid Function: When accompanied by hyperthyroidism, metabolism accelerates, leading to weight loss, accompanied by palpitations and excessive sweating; hypothyroidism slows metabolism, leading to weight gain, accompanied by cold intolerance and fatigue. Hyperthyroid patients may follow medical advice to take Methimazole tablets, Propylthiouracil tablets, etc., while hypothyroid patients require Levothyroxine Sodium tablets to supplement hormones. Weight can gradually return to normal after thyroid function is restored.

Routinely monitor weight and blood glucose levels, and keep records of dietary and exercise habits to facilitate timely lifestyle adjustments. Maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue, and maintain a stable weight through proper diet and moderate exercise to reduce the impact of weight fluctuations on the condition.