Question: I am 64 years old, a Type 1 diabetic, and have had muscle atrophy throughout my body — especially over the past 2 years — with my weight dropping from 127 pounds to 102 pounds. I’ve had numerous blood tests, X-rays of my abdomen, and other screenings. But my current endocrinologist doesn’t know what’s causing the weight loss. I have no pain. What do you think I should do?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Your weight loss has been precipitous, and it is probably time for you to consider hospitalization for a more rigorous evaluation, especially since you are a Type 1 diabetic, and I'm sure your glucose control is poor also.
You need to determine what’s causing your weight loss. It may be due to an endocrine disorder, or perhaps an underlying cancer that is adversely affecting your body's ability to maintain a normal weight and normal muscle development.
Most people who have such dramatic weight losses have an underlying condition such as COPD, hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, a malabsorption disorder, chronic infections, autoimmune conditions, diabetes or other internal disorders of metabolism, renal failure, or anorexia.
At 102 pounds, you are severely malnourished, and the generalized muscle atrophy tells me you need an aggressive evaluation to determine treatment. Please call your doctor to discuss admitting you for an evaluation before all your systems come crashing into a terminal sequence of events.
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