Diabetes and the Pied Piper of Hamelin

Dr. Fran Cogen Caregiver Director, Child/Adolescent Diabetes Program at Children's Nat'l Fran R. Cogen, MD, CDE, originally from New York, has resided in San... Send Message Subscribe: Dr. Fran Cogen

Monday, April 20, 2009
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"Into the street the Piper stept As if he knew what magic slept Then, like a musical adept Out came the children running- When, lo, as they reached the mou...

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Untitled Comment
W.N. in Va
Monday, April 20, 2009 at 01:55 PM

Great article! Thinking about each child's needs and what is best for each family is the only way to go. I'm sticking to that answer whenever I get questioned as to why we are on such an "old fashioned" therapy.

re: Untitled Comment
Dr. Fran Cogen
Monday, April 20, 2009 at 04:02 PM

Thanks for the feedback!

DrC

help for diabetes patient
louise
Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 04:30 PM

I was diagnosed 6 months ago with diabetes and am on Metformin 500 mg, twice a day. With a careful diet, my glucose seems to be under control but I have lost 15 pounds with low carbs. I am 5'6" tall and now weigh 118 pounds. I would like to weigh a little more. Everything I read tells me that people with diabetes should lost weight but I was never fat. I do the treadmill for 1/2 hour each day at 3.1 so am also getting the suggested exercise. How do I gain a few pounds with this regime? Please help me. Louise Leibman, age 81

re: help for diabetes patient
Dr. Fran Cogen
Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 05:12 PM

Hi Louise: Based on the information provided, it appears that you have type 2 diabetes. It is not uncommon for older adults in their 70's and 80's to have developed less sensitivity to insulin due to their age. The development of Type 2 diabetes does not necessarily mean that you are obese and that everyone needs to lose weight. Type 2 diabetes means that either your body is not making enough insulin or that the insulin is not effective. In your situation, the metformin is working as means to increase the sensitivity of the insulin that you are making. If you want to gain weight appropriately without becoming more hyperglycemic, it can be done. The best approach would be to meet with a dietician who is a certified diabetes educator. The dietician would help you with food choices and supervise your weight gain carefully. She would help you determine the amount of carbs necessary to either maintain or gain the desired weight. It is very appropriate that you work with a RD, CDE to help you meet your goals. I hope this is helpful.

Good luck,

DrCogen