Diabetic patients face issues not only with being overweight but also with being underweight. We have addressed related questions.

I am a 50-year-old man diagnosed with diabetes two years ago. I am a thin diabetic, 173 cm tall and weighing 62 kg, and I desperately need to increase my muscle mass. I am afraid that eating a lot will raise my blood sugar, but eating less to maintain my blood sugar causes me to lose weight.

Q. Is there a way to increase weight healthily while managing blood sugar?

A. Only regular meals and strength training are the answer

Among diabetic patients, those with a body mass index (BMI) below the normal range (23) are classified as having "lean diabetes." Nearly half of diabetic patients in Korea fall into the "lean diabetes" category. It can be caused by genetic factors, but most often it is due to muscle loss. Patients with diabetes who do not produce insulin properly in their bodies tend to have poor muscle development. As insulin resistance increases, oxidative stress also rises, leading to muscle loss. Consequently, blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, resulting in a vicious cycle of worsening diabetes and muscle loss.

At this stage, the goal is not simply to increase weight, but to focus on increasing 'muscle mass.' To achieve this, a balanced diet and strength training are essential and must be done thoroughly. Instead of just consuming high-calorie foods in large amounts, it is better to eat a well-rounded diet regularly and include healthy snacks. Include high-protein foods such as lean meats, fish, legumes, and eggs in every meal. At this time, choose carbohydrates that have less impact on blood sugar fluctuations, such as whole grains, so that you can eat enough without worrying about blood sugar levels. Recommended snacks include nuts, Greek yogurt, and milk. If necessary, consult with your doctor and consider supplementing with protein and amino acids in the form of supplements.

For patients with dry diabetes, strength training is recommended over aerobic exercise.

Increasing muscle mass through strength training is a sure way to gain weight healthily. Incorporate exercises that stimulate large muscle groups, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, according to your individual physical ability. Do not overexert yourself from the beginning; set an appropriate exercise intensity for yourself and gradually increase it as you progress.

Engage in at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Adequate 7-8 hours of sleep and healthy habits such as abstaining from alcohol and quitting smoking are also essential!

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Dry diabetes is more about strength than aerobic exercise.

My mother does not have diabetes yet.

He is very thin.

You mainly walk, so I should recommend strength training.