Question:
From London, England:
There are many things that I don't find and one of them is: How can I find
out the way to get fatter? Many times I've read about people with weight
problems but I've never read anything at all about those who, like me, want
to increase their weight. Eating more seem to be the logical way but, what
about doing more sports or increasing my insulin doses?
Answer:
It is very unusual for someone with diabetes to be unable to gain weight if
they want to. However, I have seen this problem in a teenage girl who had
always been very thin even before diagnosis. There's no doubt that shape
is, to some extent, genetically programmed. You mentioned exercise and,
although this obviously burns calories, it's important that you don't give
it up because it has more important benefits in terms of cardiovascular
fitness and psychological well being. Additionally, exercise makes your body
more responsive to insulin so, in theory, you are more likely to put on
weight if you eat more after exercise. Basically, you have to find a
balance between the three main elements of blood sugar control - insulin,
food and exercise. If you eat more, you will have to put up your insulin
dose otherwise you will get high blood sugars. Speak to your dietitian to
ensure that you are eating the correct things - it would be a mistake to
simply eat a lot of fatty foods.
KJR
Original posting 3 May 97
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