Gaining weight is a normal issue with insulin therapy and represents a concern for many people thinking about a change to insulin. Some instances this may curtail the choice of using insulin.
Badly controlled diabetes is associated with loss of weight due to loss of sugars (glucose) in the urine. Any form of treatment that significantly lowers blood sugar levels thereby reduces loss of glucose in the urine, will be associated with increase in weight. This is due to the calories which were previously lost, being absorbed; fat and muscle bulk is restored.
What are the problems associated with weight gain?
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Excessive weight gain may actually make blood sugar control difficult
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Increased cardiovascular risk and heart attack
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Weight gain in turn may cause resistance to the action of insulin which increases your requirement of insulin
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A reduced ability to exercise coupled with low mood which also impairs motivation
Will I put on weight if I inject insulin?
Heavy insulin treatment is attached to weight gain, usually in the order of 4-6 lbs. This is expected with most treatments that improve blood sugar control.
What are the reasons for weight gain?
The primary part of the weight gain with the insulin treatment may simply be because of someone regaining weight lost due to uncontrolled diabetes. If you continue to gain weight it is more likely related to a lack of dietary restraint.
It is thought that some people on insulin, may snack frequently to avoid hypoglycaemia or in some cases regularly overcompensate for treatment of hypoglycaemia.
Tips to avoid putting on weight
Weight gain is often depressing and posbbily harmful. The importance of diet and exercise in prevention cannot be overstated. Plan a regular exercise program and stay with it. Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and you will achieve good control with a lower amount of insulin.
In some people with type 2 diabetes, combinations with metformin can help curb unnecessary weight gain. Metformin may suppress appetite and helps improve insulin sensitivity.
Avoid excessive doses of insulin which may lead to increased caloric intake. If your blood sugars are very tightly controlled you may be able to reduce your dose of insulin.
If hypoglycaemia is frequent, lower your dose of insulin rather than eat more.
Do some types of insulin cause less weight gain than others?
Some evidence from clinical studies that insulin detemir (Levemir) which is a basal insulin analogue, is possibly associated with a reduced risk of weight gain when compared with isophane insulin.
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