Why Do People Lose Weight With Diabetes?

Weight loss with diabetes can seem puzzling, especially when it happens despite eating regularly. In this episode of The Orange Club Podcast, Dr. Raja Selvarajan explains what happens inside the body that leads to this change.

Watch the clip here: Diabetes and Weight Loss 

When the Body Switches Gears

Normally, the body stays in an anabolic phase, where food is broken down and converted into energy to build and repair tissues. In uncontrolled diabetes, however, high blood sugar levels push the body into a catabolic phase—a state where it begins breaking down fat and protein instead of using glucose efficiently.

The Role of Protein Loss

Over time, diabetes can cause protein to leak into the urine, a condition doctors monitor with a simple test called microalbumin. This ongoing protein loss means the body doesn’t have enough raw material to maintain strength, leading to weakness and unintentional weight loss.

Why Eating More Doesn’t Help

Even with regular meals, the glucose from food isn’t effectively absorbed into the cells because of insulin resistance or deficiency. Instead, the body continues to break down its own reserves, leaving people tired, low on energy, and losing weight without trying.

The Takeaway

Weight loss in diabetes isn’t about eating less—it’s about the body not being able to use what it consumes. Recognizing this shift early allows doctors to run simple tests, provide the right treatment, and help restore balance. 

For a deeper dive into how doctors view pre-diabetes, watch the full discussion in The Orange Club Podcast - Understanding Diabetes