Weight loss with type 1 diabetes and very limited movement

Question
I am 5'4", weigh 94 kg and in May 2011 had my right leg amputated above the knee (I am awaiting a very basic artificial leg to aid transfers).  Last November I broke my right arm above the elbow.  I find exercise at present very difficult.  But I would like to lose weight.  I am considering a low fat diet, or even the Aitkens Diet; with a gradual reduction in the amount of insulin I take, but I would appreciate some advice; or other dietary suggestions.  And if you could suggest some types of exercise appropriate to my limited mobility, that would be helpful too.

I use a powered wheelchair, my cholesterol level of 4.1, and am also on steroids due to long term Juvenile Chronic Arthritis.  I am 57.

Thanks for any help or advice you may be able to give,

Peter

Answer
Hi Peter,

I'm sorry to hear of your situation and limited movement. I'm glad you've decided to take control of your health and lose some of the extra weight! As far as healthy diets go, a low-fat one is more often recommended by agencies that are there for your health: The American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, etc. The American Diabetes Association will have lots of diet advice for you and recipes; there are magazines such as Diabetes Care and Diabetic Living that may interest you as well.

One of the healthiest diets is the DASH diet, put out by the National Institute of Health. It is low in fat, low in sugar, high in fiber, potassium, magnesium and calcium. If you aren't on any specific diet restrictions (such as low potassium or restricted fiber) this would likely be your best bet.

Since you do have type I diabetes your insurance is likely to cover a few visits to a local dietitian. Contact your primary care physician for a prescription to see a dietitian--they are usually available at a local hospital. This will get you individualized diet advice for your specific situation, eating habits, and preferences.

I won't be giving you exercise advice because that isn't my specialty. I hope the diet information gives you a good place to start!

Good luck!

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