QUESTION: I am 56 years old, 5-foot-10 inches, and have had a full hip replacement. I also quit smoking and have been working out for a year. I have slightly high blood sugar, but so far have not been diagnosed with diabetes. I have started to lose more weight than I want to -- now at 185 pounds down from 200. How can I add muscle and not lose more weight?
ANSWER: Tackling rehabilitation after major hip replacement surgery, quitting smoking, losing weight, and getting into a regular exercise program all in one year is a major commitment to a better life, and you are to be commended! "Slightly high blood sugar" is nothing to trifle with, however, so you may have one more hurdle to clear in your obstacle course toward a healthier life.
Hyperglycemia is an abnormally high level of sugar in the blood, and can be caused by stress, injury, illness, surgery, and eating more food (particularly foods that are highly processed or high in sugar) than necessary for your needs. Uncontrolled weight loss, along with dry mouth/thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurry vision and constant hunger are all symptoms.
Some other causes of weight loss are pancreatitis, hyperthyroid, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.
Also, there is a very fine line between hyperglycemia and diabetes, so do not delay in getting to a specialist in metabolic disorders for blood work and a urinalysis.
