constantly hungry - Diabetes Message Board

Mike2258 · 10-02-2007, 09:52 AM

My husband Mike has been a diabetic since 1999, Type 1. He is able to keep his insulin levels under control, but he has 2 problems that his doctor can't explain.
1. Constantly hungry. Even after a big solid meal, takes his insulin, 30 minutes later it seams like he never ate. I believe it is the insulin that tells his body that he needs food...but he doesn't.
2. Weight gain. My husband does commercial sandblasting for a living, a very phyiscal job, but yet he keeps gaining weight each month. His doctor doesn't understand about his job and the weight gain, she just tells him, "You need to exercise."
Does anybody have the same problems or can at least shed some light on the problems.
Thank You,
Jodi

Mark1e · 10-02-2007, 02:50 PM

When type 1 diabetics gain weight, it is normally because they are taking too much insulin. The insulin brings blood glucose down, causing the hunger and eating more food. Calories consumed exceed the weight-maintenance level, and this is what causes the weight gain. I have seen this in myself a number of times over the years. Reducing the insulin should help. But he he needs to lots of testing to get a handle on exactly what is happening and how to deal with it.

Mark