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01/11/12
07:03 PM
"I am overweight but wanting very much to lose weight. "
Asked By:
sylvester
Category:
Exercise
Background Info Hide
I'm a 59 year old type 2 diabetic currently taking Byetta, Metformen, Starlix and Actos. Is Actos safe? I'm concerned about stomach or bladder problems. I started exercising for 30 min each day approx 3 weeks ago. I have diverticulosis which is controlled. I've been careful about what I eat and portion size. My blood pressure has been on the rise recently and lisinopril has been increased from 5 to 20 mg per day. My blood sugars are fairly controlled - under 200. I'm also on lovastatin and 80 mg aspirin daily. In 2004 my blood sugars were better controlled, but then lots of emotional events occurred. I'm wanting to get things under control again.
Expert Answers (1)
01/13/12
08:05 PM
Dear Sylvester,
Let me address your concerns point-by-point. At this point, Actos is considered safe for use, but it can contribute to weight gain. Byetta usually helps people lose weight, and Metformin is weight-neutral. When you're trying to lose weight, it's important to look at which medications that you're on to see if any of them can be reduced or eliminated with lifestyle changes, particularly ones like Actos that may cause weight gain.
That having been said, keeping your emotional problems under better control can help with weight loss as well. Mental stress causes the release of extra cortisol, a natural hormone that increases insulin resistance (making you need more medications or higher doses) and that contributes to weight gain. Again, healthy lifestyle choices can reduce stress and lower your medication needs.
As for lifestyle changes, what will benefit you the most is regular physical activity. The recommended amount is 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity (like brisk walking), along with some resistance training 2-3 days per week. You should also just try to be more active all day, including standing more and taking more steps.
You also want to take a good look at your diet to see where you can make small changes that have a big effect. If you cut back on refined carbohydrates in particular, your body can get by with less insulin, and your blood glucose levels will be better controlled. Avoid eating the "white" foods, including those made with white flour, white sugar, white potatoes, white rice, etc. The more refined the food, usually the greater impact it will have on your blood sugars.
Once you start on your healthier lifestyle, check with your doctor to see if you can modify your medications or lower your doses. All of these changes together will help you lose the weight you want to lose.
Let me address your concerns point-by-point. At this point, Actos is considered safe for use, but it can contribute to weight gain. Byetta usually helps people lose weight, and Metformin is weight-neutral. When you're trying to lose weight, it's important to look at which medications that you're on to see if any of them can be reduced or eliminated with lifestyle changes, particularly ones like Actos that may cause weight gain.
That having been said, keeping your emotional problems under better control can help with weight loss as well. Mental stress causes the release of extra cortisol, a natural hormone that increases insulin resistance (making you need more medications or higher doses) and that contributes to weight gain. Again, healthy lifestyle choices can reduce stress and lower your medication needs.
As for lifestyle changes, what will benefit you the most is regular physical activity. The recommended amount is 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity (like brisk walking), along with some resistance training 2-3 days per week. You should also just try to be more active all day, including standing more and taking more steps.
You also want to take a good look at your diet to see where you can make small changes that have a big effect. If you cut back on refined carbohydrates in particular, your body can get by with less insulin, and your blood glucose levels will be better controlled. Avoid eating the "white" foods, including those made with white flour, white sugar, white potatoes, white rice, etc. The more refined the food, usually the greater impact it will have on your blood sugars.
Once you start on your healthier lifestyle, check with your doctor to see if you can modify your medications or lower your doses. All of these changes together will help you lose the weight you want to lose.
Answered By:
Sheri Colberg-Ochs
Accreditations: PhD, FACSM
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