How to Lose Weight While on Glipizide

Glipizide is a diabetes drug designed to help your body process sugar. In a normal person, the pancreas helps the body store excess sugar by releasing insulin in the proper amounts to give you energy. Diabetics do not store sugar properly, however, and instead, sugar remains in the bloodstream.

Glipizide is one of several drugs used to treat the disease, but many patients can gain weight from using it, which is not a good situation for diabetics. Healthy diet and exercise are advised to fight the possible weight gain from this drug.

Eat a healthy diet. MayoClinic.com says a "diabetes diet" is a myth. Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are low in fat and calories, but high in nutritional quality. Cut back on sweets and animal products. Counting carbohydrates also helps maintain a healthy lifestyle for diabetics.

Take your glipizide tablet with food. The food you eat affects your blood sugar level, so try to eat similarly sized meals at regular times each day. Remember that your blood sugar will be higher after meals.

Get plenty of physical activity to move the sugar from your blood into the rest of your cells. Blood sugar levels drop when you are active. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Include 30 minutes of aerobic exercise for most days of the week through activities such as walking, biking or swimming.

Also get in some stretching and strength training to round out your program. Build up your exercise routine slowly and stick with it. Because exercise lowers your blood sugar, check your levels before exercising.

Avoid stress, which produces hormones that stimulate fat storage and can cause you to gain weight. Incorporate a relaxation period at least once a day to enjoy the little things in life. Get a massage, turn on classical music, read a book, take a relaxing bath, call friends or do yoga. Anything you enjoy will fight the effects of prolonged stress in your life.

Warnings

Glipizide should not be taken if certain medical conditions develop, such as kidney or liver disease, dehydration, infections, heart problems or poor circulation.

Read the drug's warning labels for possible side effects besides weight gain.