Common question: I have type 1 diabetes. Can I safely take any over-the-counter diabetes diet pill or weight-loss pills, like Dexatrim, to curb appetite and lose weight? I’m not extremely overweight, but have really strong cravings for carbs.
Many over-the-counter (OTC) weight-loss products, including Dexatrim, used to contain ephedra, which suppresses appetite. OTC products containing ephedra, however, were taken off the market because of safety concerns. The new, reformulated Dexatrim now lists green tea and other herbs as active ingredients — none of these have been proven to suppress appetite or lead to weight loss. These substances are not harmful, but normally doubt that you will lose weight from taking a green tea supplement. If you’d like to try it, drinking green tea itself, rather than taking a supplement, might be a cheaper alternative. Other weight-loss products sold over the counter are either dangerous or have not been proven to be effective.
It is recommended that you seek help from a nutritionist and your doctor about diabetes diet pill or weight-loss pills. A nutritionist can help you with your cravings for carbohydrates by giving you a choice of good carbs. Plus, he or she can offer advice on total caloric intake and overall nutrition.
Some prescription medicines, in combination with lifestyle modifications, have proven to be effective weight-loss aids. One of these medicines, sibutramine (brand name Meridia), is an appetite suppressant. Having said this, please take note that a gradual, methodical, step-by-step process to change your diet, as well as a program of physical activity, is the most effective — and healthiest — way to lose weight. Losing weight for anyone — but especially for someone with diabetes who is using insulin — is a long and arduous process. Setting small, achievable goals and being persistent will yield huge dividends for your health.
