need some help

cassiew0507

I want to lose weight.  I need to lose weight.  I found out I was diabetic 6 weeks ago.  It was actually the same week I got engaged.  My doctor put me on metformin and told me to cut down on the sugar I eat.  Well I cut down... the medicine takes my appetite away.. I am lucky now if I can get my self to eat twice a day... most days I just eat dinner.  And yet I am gaining wait... I know I should exercise more but I detest exercise! To me it is an extreme form of punishment! So my questions are is anyone else on this medicine and how has it effected you and does anyone have any exercise ideas i could trick myself into thinking I am not exercising? 

raynes

I'm not on the drug, but I can offer some advice.  Find something that you find fun. Maybe join an ultimate frisbee league, or dodgeball.  Something has has you running around and laughing at the same time.

For me, I used to hate going to the gym.  That is, until I started lifting weights.  Now, I love it.  I love the feeling of being able to lift heavy things and hold my own in tickle fights (added bonus).

Another thing is that it's probably time to make some changes, mentally.  Did your doctor say that you would benefit from healthier eating and exercise?  If losing weight and exercising would mean that I could stop taking a drug, I'd be all over that.

MyPlate (through Livestrong.com) has a special section for people with diabetes.  It helps you keep track of your carbs and the other things you need to be aware of.  I would highly reccomend you check that out.  It might shock you to see exactly how much crap you consume in a day.  When I first started tracking it was very eye opening.

LesPaul

Well, first off I'm sorry for your diagnosis.  Diabetes is a serious illness that requires lifelong management. 

Second, it would help if you could change your mindset about exercise - it really isn't punishment!  Is there any form of activity you enjoy?  There are so many options.  Is there a Y or gym where you could try some classes?  Do you like dance? - Zumba is a great activity.  Do you like to ride a bike?  Have you tried spin indoor cycling class?  Would you rather do videos at home (such as 30 Day Shred)?.  Do you like a bootcamp style class?  Do you like to lift weights?  Do you like to run (or would you like to try?)  Do you have a friend who you could enlist to be a workout buddy?  It's always more fun to have a friend along.  Are there some sports through Parks & Rec that sound like fun (softball, volleyball, dodgeball?).  I guess my point is to get out and try some activities and see what you like to do - if you're enjoying yourself it won't feel like torture.

Third - nutrition is especially important for diabetics.  Go to Livestrong.com and then Daily Plate.  They have a version of Daily Plate for diabetics to help you track your calorie intake, calories burned, and overall nutrition.

Good luck!  And hang around here for tips and inspiration.

iamjoesgurl

I'm not diabetic and haven't ever been on that medication, but wonder if your doctor told you about side effects and what to do to manage them?  If you are starving yourself (which is what your body thinks if you only eat one meal in the day), your body could be retaining the calories for nutrition since it doesn't know when it will get more. 

Do you not eat because you're not hungry or is it because eating makes you feel sick?  If it is just that you are not hungry, you need to eat anyway.  Just try to eat healthy foods that will not impact your insulin level.  You probably know what those are.  If the problem is that you feel sick, I would recommend talking to your doctor about the meds.

The other ladies gave you some good tips on exercise.  I'll just add that exercise should not be a punishment.  Your body needs exercise to function.  If you try to look at exercise from the perspective of what you are doing to help your body, it should feel less like punishment and more like reward.

cac847

I definitely agree with the other two ladies that your attitude about exercise needs to change. For a lot of people, weight loss will reverse diabetes for many many years, if not permanently. Oral medications can only manage your blood sugar for so long, and eventually you will have to inject insulin to keep it under control. Instead of trying to trick yourself into thinking you're not exercising (which won't work anyway), remind yourself WHY you're working out. Like, "I'm running now so my leg doesn't get amputated later." There are so many different types of exercises and activities you can do, there's bound to be at least one that you actually enjoy. My advice is to join a gym if you can afford to and try out a bunch of different classes, or get a Netflix account and try out different DVDs to see what's out there. The hardest part is starting out, but hopefully when you see, and feel the benefits you will want to continue.

jonchrissy

I agree with all PP and wanted to add, exercise is a GREAT way to help control your blood sugar. Obviously it won't do it all and you need to watch your diet and take your medications, but is really can help control it. FSIL and FIs grandfather are both type-1 and make it a point to get cardio in everyday.

msange727

welcome, and my sympathy for what you're going through - i have a few friends and family members who are diabetic, and i know it is an everyday challenge.

i second, third, and fourth all of the previous posters about exercise. i hate to say it, but there will really be no better thing for you. when you exercise, your body actually lowers its insulin resistance, right then. (i read in an article that it was something like after 30 or 40 minutes of a workout that it begins to kick in.) exercise will only help.

that said, ditto raynes - it doesn't need to be what you think, slaving over a machine at the gym. these days there are a million ways to work out without even going to a gym, so my suggestion would be to start looking online for things like workout dvds, or checking out local resources for fun classes and the like to get you started. starting out is honestly the hardest step. good luck! :]

Jenniebeeb

I've mostly been lurking on this board, but wanted to reply to this just because I have several instances of diabetes in my family. 

My grandparents developed Type 2 Diabetes, and they've been able to control it with diet for numerous years.  My parents have some other health issues where trying to keep their triglycerides lower and their blood sugar more even is very desireable.

Due to family history I started to try to look into changes for diet and exercise that I could do for myself to stay healthy.  I still have some weight to lose, but I have lost 40lbs. so far. 

I have loosely followed the Zone Diet/counted calories with www.fitday.com, and I also do 30 minutes of a cardio every other day (walking around my neighborhood, being on my elliptical here at home, or exercise bike...I occasionally do workout videos here at home as well)  I feel tons better, have lots more energy....and after a workout I always feel like I've accomplished something for myself, so it makes me more motivated to get other things done

I definitely suggest looking into The Zone Diet - it's not exactly a "diet" per se, it's actually dietary changes that were suggested for Heart patients & Diabetics...so it might be something you'd be interested in.

I wish you lots of luck in dealing with this, and I hope that you're able to eventually control this without the meds...It doesn't sound like they're really helping you all that much if it makes you not want to eat, and you're gaining   {{{hugs}}}

mjjlaw2001

I would say definitely find a workout that you enjoy.  Exercising will help you with your diabetes.  Also you are gaining weight because you are not eating enough.  It sucks when you don't have an appetite, but if you don't eat enough your body will think that you are starving and you will gain weight.  If you like dancing or bike riding or kickboxing then you should try to find a workout that focuses on that.  Skating is a great workout and swimming is a workout if you like to swim.  There are workouts to fit every type of movement nowadays. Feel free to message me if you need any more ideas or support I am here for you.  I have diabetes in my family so I understand.  Its not easy I know.

cassiew0507

Thanks everyone! I guess the hardest part now is changing my attitude on exercise... which will be difficult.  When i was a kid and got in trouble (like everyday) excersise was my punishment so its hard not to think of it as a punishment now. And I will try to force myself to eat.  Half the time its not even that I am not really hungry sometimes I just get busy and forget.... Anyways thanks for the help I will definetly try out some of your ideas....