Ghrelin, Exercise and the Impact on Weight Gain in Type 1 Diabetics

Diabetes, with uncontrolled blood sugar levels, can lead to the development of many secondary health complications. While most diabetics involve individuals who develop Type 2 diabetes as adults, there are a significant number of individuals who have suffered from Type 1 diabetes since childhood.

Of the many health complications experienced by individuals with Type 1 diabetes, there is a risk for accumulating excessive fat, especially, around the organs. In addition to a general risk for childhood and adulthood obesity, it is the fat around the organs that creates the most significant health risks.

Insulin therapy for Type 1 diabetics often leads to the weight gain. As fat develops around organs, the development of cardiovascular complications ensue, along with risks for additional insulin sensitivity complications. While some diabetics can relate obesity and, specifically, fat around the organs to hereditary factors, there are some who simply gain the additional visceral fat due to poor diet and lack of exercise. Even with the best control over Type 1 diabetes, weight gain and visceral fat is still a concern.

If you suffer from Type 1 diabetes, it is important to understand the impact your diabetes will have upon your pre-disposition to gain visceral fat, or fat around your organs. Even with your best efforts to manage your blood glucose levels, this fat accumulation is inevitable. To offset this risk, exercise may be your best tool.

It is during exercise that your body may produce additional stomach hormone known as Ghrelin. With Ghrelin hormone management, many Type 1 diabetics find the visceral fat decreases and even noticed some change in waistline. As a result, even mild to moderate amounts of exercise may prove effective at not only boosting metabolism but also managing the secretion of Ghrelin which may control appetite while also changing the composition and percentage of visceral fat around your organs.

As with any health management of a metabolic disorder, it is important to follow your doctor's advice and maintain insulin therapy as needed. When suffering from Type 1 diabetes, it is important to understand that this condition may lead to visceral fat development and, ultimately, create secondary health complications. The need for exercise is important to the management of Ghrelin, ultimately working to control and reduce this health risk of Type 1 diabetes, reducing visceral fat while managing appetite. If unsure what exercises are appropriate for your health condition, ask your physician and obtain an MRI to determine the degree to which you may already suffer from fat around the organs.