How to lose weight with type 1 diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

My friend was obese, but he started some diet plans with intermittent fasts. But I think it affected his type 1 diabetes. Is it good to try fasting with diabetes, or can it cause problems? Someone said he might be facing refeeding syndrome after fasting for a long time, but I am not sure what that means. He wants to lose weight and thinks fast is the way. He did not ask any doctors about the effects on his blood sugar. Will intermittent fasting and his diet cause more issues? Does anyone know about fasting and diabetes issues like refeeding syndrome?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a form of intermittent fasting that offers a simplified approach to treating obesity in type 1 diabetes mellitus or T1DM (a chronic autoimmune illness in which the immune system kills the pancreas insulin-producing cells). TRE typically involves restricting eating to six to 10 hours per day, with water and medications allowed outside the eating window.

Intermittent fasting helps to control the release of glucose into the bloodstream, which can lead to reduced fasting blood sugar levels by limiting meal intake to specified times. In persons with type 2 diabetes, intermittent fasting has been proven to lower fasting glucose levels by 5.6 %.

Although clinical trial findings are still very limited, evidence suggests that individuals with T1DM may safely undertake intermittent fasting with a limited risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (which occurs when your body does not have enough insulin) or severe glycemic disturbances. Hyperglycemia occurs when your blood contains too much sugar.

Here are tips for losing weight safely with T1D.

Take a look at your insulin settings.
Eat a balanced diet that considers your needs, preferences, and intolerances.
Reduce your portion sizes.
Increase incidental activity and include resistance training.
Avoid behaviors that put your health at risk.
Take professional health care team help.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of queries.

Thank you.