I need your help - People with diabetes but have low BMI

Posted by wena1004 @wena1004, Nov 4 2:51pm

Hello, I just recently joined and am humbly asking for your help. We've been searching for doctors who specialize in "thin diabetics" or "skinny diabetics," specifically those people with diabetes who have a low BMI but struggle with managing glucose. We really cannot find one. If you know someone or are experiencing the same condition, please share any recommendations or insights you might have. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. We are eager to find a healthcare professional who understands these unique challenges.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 4 3:19pm

Do you have an endocrinologist? A dietician?

My grown kid has had type 1 diabetes since age 4. I understand that "thin" type 2 is a different animal.

Do the usually recommended dietary and exercise recommendations help? Mainly low glycemic index foods. I know from experience that stress, meds, illness and many other factors can raise blood sugar.

Hoping you have a good doctor and wishing you good luck!

kenag | @kenag | Nov 5 9:47am

That’s my situation as well. And it’s very challenging as most the support is focused on reducing weight and increasing exercise. So, I’ll be watching this thread. I wish I had helpful advice but I’m still struggling with this myself. I’m considering an endocrinologist myself. What could I expect that I would not get from my PCP?

kenag | @kenag | Nov 5 10:14am

I should also mention that getting a CGM was a big help. I was at least able to identify certain foods that were worse than others. For instance, I’ve learned that oatmeal, regardless of form (including oat groats) sends my glucose over 220 for a couple hours.
And of course I needed to be strict about eliminating sugar in all forms as well as empty starches (white flour, rice, etc). Fruits are largely restricted to berries. And only with a protein like yogurt.

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 5 12:36pm

In reply to @kenag "I should also mention that getting a CGM was a big help. I was at least..." + (show)

I think an endocrinologist would be helpful. Who prescribed the CGM? (Do you have the DEXA one?) It sounds like you are already paying attention to the glycemic index (my kid's blood sugar rises a lot with oatmeal too!). The CGM is great for learning what foods send you up.

Eggs, meat, fish, poultry, salads.....low glycemic foods but tough when you don't want to lose weight! Protein and fats slow blood sugar rise down so mixing cheese in rice, peanut butter with crackers and so on. Beans/legume are carbs but soups with those might work.

Do you have any hypoglycemia?

kenag | @kenag | Nov 6 10:04am

I have the libre3 as my doctor is a fan but would like to try dexcom g7. I find placement a challenge since you need loose skin for any accuracy and I don’t have much. It tends to read high.

I’ve never been hypoglycemic. I rarely see myself below 100 except after intense exercise.

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 6 4:06pm

In reply to @kenag "I have the libre3 as my doctor is a fan but would like to try dexcom..." + (show)

The Dexcon has the reputation of being the most accurate. Some insurance companies like the libre because it costs less!

Scott R L | @scottrl | Nov 6 9:41pm

You are not alone.

I used to work with a guy who was about 50, thin as a rail, and a serious Type 2 diabetic.

What worked best for him was diet. He learned that some foods, Fritos for example, caused his blood sugar to skyrocket. He had to practice serious avoidance.

Once he realized this, he managed his diabetes pretty well.

Good luck!