-
Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »
Concern about weight gain on pump.
- Thread starter artijayne
- Start Date
I have gained 2 stone since being on insulin. I was previously underweight had DKA then diagnosed as type 1 LADA. I am concerned that I may put on more weight if I start using an insulin pump. I am going for a NHS review to discuss using a pump
CheeseSeaker
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 235
- Location
- Nottingham
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Pump
- Dislikes
- People arguing over silly stuff
Hi @artijayne - T1 is a joy isn't it... 
As far as I know (have been on injections for 40 odd years and pumps for about 14 I think) I didn't notice a great deal of change to my weight between the two related to the change in insulin delivery.
It can mean you have more flexibility to eat on HCL (hybrid closed loop) which is the current NHS pump stuff - basically the pump has intelligence so reacts to your changing BG and gives more/less insulin as you body needs it without you thinking about it.
That can mean we put more weight on as we have more freedom to eat stuff, and think less about needing an injection etc - that bit is self management to not eat the extra.
The big benefits when its set up correctly are better time in range, less thinking about BG and calculations, more freedom to eat when you want to not because you have to, better quality of sleep and less chance of lows.
I'd go for it - if you don't like it you can always switch back (I'd never consider it for myself - its so much safer than when I was on MDI)
As far as I know (have been on injections for 40 odd years and pumps for about 14 I think) I didn't notice a great deal of change to my weight between the two related to the change in insulin delivery.
It can mean you have more flexibility to eat on HCL (hybrid closed loop) which is the current NHS pump stuff - basically the pump has intelligence so reacts to your changing BG and gives more/less insulin as you body needs it without you thinking about it.
That can mean we put more weight on as we have more freedom to eat stuff, and think less about needing an injection etc - that bit is self management to not eat the extra.
The big benefits when its set up correctly are better time in range, less thinking about BG and calculations, more freedom to eat when you want to not because you have to, better quality of sleep and less chance of lows.
I'd go for it - if you don't like it you can always switch back (I'd never consider it for myself - its so much safer than when I was on MDI)
- Messages
- 2,280
- Location
- Southampton
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Pump
- Dislikes
- Diabetes, not having Jaffa Cake
My weight has not really changed much since being on the pump
The issue with insulin in general is it will force the body to process all the carbs/sugars you eat.. any excess is still processed and ultimately will be stored as fats.. instead of being pee’d out
So ultimately a sensible controlled diet is important
The reality is 99% of us eat more than the ‘rda’.. for example if having soup most people would think 1 can = 1 serving…. But typically the can says ‘serves 2’..
The issue with insulin in general is it will force the body to process all the carbs/sugars you eat.. any excess is still processed and ultimately will be stored as fats.. instead of being pee’d out
So ultimately a sensible controlled diet is important
The reality is 99% of us eat more than the ‘rda’.. for example if having soup most people would think 1 can = 1 serving…. But typically the can says ‘serves 2’..
- Messages
- 10,440
- Location
- New Zealand
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Pump
- Dislikes
- hypos and forum bugs
I have gradually gained weight over the last 30 years till I was borderline obese 5 years ago at 80kg. . I watched my carbs and my bgs and three years ago got down to 70kg (slightly overweight). I went onto a pump nearly two years ago, my total insulin reduced and I didn't put on any more weight. Yes, I still have to watch what I eat (cheese, alcohol and desserts are kryptonite for me if I overdo them) but I can have most things in moderation.
