• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2026 Survey »

Increased need for insulin after weight loss

CarolWoods

Member
Messages
9
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Some background:

Insulin pump for 18 months. Brilliant control until recently.

In the last 14 months lost 9 kilos or 1.4 stone. (Very proud of this)

Aged 55 and still perimenopausal.

BG normally in the 4.5-6.0 zone but in the last couple of weeks at least 25% higher.

Any suggestions please?

Ask me any questions.

Thanks

Carol
 
I'm going through this. I think it's the bleedin menopause. I've just gone on Hrt. My basal has gone up by a third.
All I'm doing is wacking the basal up. I had a salad the other night that I'd take 3-4 units for normally. I ended up taking 15. Bloody liver dump. It comes and goes as well but I haven't spotted the pattern yet.

Well done on the weight loss! The only problem (?) is having to buy LOTS of new clothes now. Slinky black dress for Christmas?
 
Hi Carol, usually it's the other-way round and one would expect to see less insulin being used after losing weight.

Menopause aside I'm wondering if your infusion sites are OK, I find if I hit a site that has been overused I need more insulin than I would otherwise.
 
Yes but that's kind of the OPPOSITE of the menopause, when HRT pushes up your insulin needs.
I would be looking for something else, like noblehead suggests. Change in ambient temperature can increase insulin needs. Also, change in diet. Are you eating more fat and/or protein with your meals than before?
 
Whoops sorry. I'm still having all the hot flushes and stuff so in assuming the dose isn't enough so really I'm still going through the menopause?
Diet hasn't changed. I do lchf. Are you run down? Stressed? I think that increases cortisol levels that could increase insulin resistance?
 

Dear Noble One I appreciate that it should be the other way round hence my post. Since being on the pump I really rotate sites so at this stage none are overused, but some areas are much denser than others. I did move to a different area last night when I set changed and bingo its down.

Thank you

Carol
 
Once I stopped HRT my basal went up.
@CarolWoods has your thyroid been checked lately.
Do also remember the weather will have an impact on blood sugars as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…