Does Insulin Cause Weight Gain?

Q: I've had type 2 diabetes for nine years and take Novolin and Novolog insulins. Does insulin cause weight gain? If so, why?

A: Some people experience weight gain when they first start taking insulin. This happens for several reasons.

First, when blood glucose levels are high, your body is literally wasting the calories you eat because there's no insulin to help the body convert the food into glucose. When your blood glucose gets into better control with insulin, your body makes better use of the food you eat.

Second, due high blood glucose levels, you may be a bit dehydrated.

Third, and perhaps most important, insulin can make blood glucose too low if it's not adjusted correctly. If you're repeatedly treating hypoglycemia with food, this can result in excess calories and weight gain.

Work with your health-care provider to adjust your insulin doses to minimize hypoglycemia. Learn to treat occasional low blood glucose levels with glucose tablets rather than food; it's easier to control the amount of calories you eat. If your weight gain is out of control, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian for assistance.

Madhu Gadia, M.S., R.D., is a certified diabetes educator.

Comments

Comments (6)

Reaganite wrote:

Insulin combined with Prednisone and Prograf definitely have caused me to put on weight, steroid induced due to a kidney transplant. Control as many of the carbs you can i.e. basically pasta, breads and basically any other food that is white. And obviously no candy, soda pop (regular or diet). Drink plenty of water and tea as this helps to fill you up.

8/8/2010 08:48:57 PM Report Abuse

suzanne.beaudin wrote:

I lost weight instantly and because my blood sugars were under control I was not even hungry.

6/15/2010 11:21:55 AM Report Abuse

Wickedmalconten wrote:

I have been LOSING weight while on insulin. I have a condition called lymphatic Sarcoidosis and have been on prednisone, massive amounts actually and it has raised my blood sugars to uncontrollable heights at time. So my doctors put me on injectable insulin. I lost 28 pounds in 8 weeks and it was due to my blood sugars finally getting under control. I know that my diet has improved too as well as my appetite not being what it was because of the steroids. Has anyone else lost weight on insulin?

3/1/2010 07:54:49 AM Report Abuse

ejutras wrote:

I gained wait taking insulin, but I am losing it by watching calorie and fat intake as well as exercising at least 5 days a week. Watch the hidden calories and fat. I found 40 calories in a tbsp of creamer. I have about 4 cups of coffee a day. I switched to sf and cut out about 100 calories a day.

2/27/2010 12:33:46 PM Report Abuse

anonymous wrote:

no it is not true.

2/23/2010 10:08:15 AM Report Abuse