Insulin and weight increase

[ladybird64]

Question open to type 1's or 2's - whoever knows the answer.

I have just read the thread about weight and it reminded me of another post I was involved in. Can't remember where or when though and can't find it.

I seem to recall saying that using insulin is inclined to put weight on (maybe that is only type 2's?) because that is what I was told by a HCP but I seem to remember being told in the thread that this wasn't the case. For the sake of peace, I am talking about someone who isn't generally trying very hard to lose weight, is not making great dietary changes.

Would insulin slow down weight loss and possibly increase it?

Thanks.

 

[Paul1976]

Actually,Thanks for posting this Ladybird,I'm very early on in my use of a Basal Insulin and have been a bit worried about weight gain,I worry that any injected insulin will just automatically store the glucose from my meal as fat,also I wonder at what level of units,does weight gain become more likely? Would be interested on the replies to this thread! :wink:

 

[Riri]

I'm always told by my consultant that insulin will make it harder for diabetics to lose weight (from that, I'm assuming that it's not the insulin in itself that necessarily puts the weight on - if this makes sense?). It's certainly been true in my experience and it took some personal difficult events when I was really stressed for me to lose my weight. Once I found this forum, and I'd already last 2 and a half stone, I also reduced my carb intake considerably (i still eat around 120g per day which is quite a lot by some peoples stadards) I have found that the weight stays off.

 

[smidge]

Hey guys!

Insulin does encourage weight gain, so you do have to manage the calories you eat and exercise to keep to a healthy weight - but that's the same as anyone whose own insulin is working properly. I've been using insulin for about 2 years and I have put weight on - but that was a good thing for me because before my diagnosis with LADA when i was trying to control my 'Type 2' diabetes on diet and exercise, my weight had fallen to less than 6 and a half stone - now I'm 7 stone 2 which is a far better weight for me, but I don't need to put any more on. Before the insulin, my body was getting no nourishment from my food, the insulin is allowing my body to react like a non-diabetic's body - if i eat too much and don't exercise I put on weight. I think keeping the insulin doses low (by carb restriction for me) helps me to avoid unwanted weight gain (which is one of the reasons why I advocate a low-carb diet for Type 1/1.5s) - I think this is more difficult for insulin-dependant Type 2s, because insulin resistance means that they need larger doses to get it to work (which is one of the reasons why I believe it is better for Type 2s to try to manage their diabetes without using insulin).

Smidge

 

[Unbeliever]

Hey guys!

Insulin does encourage weight gain, so you do have to manage the calories you eat and exercise to keep to a healthy weight - but that's the same as anyone whose own insulin is working properly. I've been using insulin for about 2 years and I have put weight on - but that was a good thing for me because before my diagnosis with LADA when i was trying to control my 'Type 2' diabetes on diet and exercise, my weight had fallen to less than 6 and a half stone - now I'm 7 stone 2 which is a far better weight for me, but I don't need to put any more on. Before the insulin, my body was getting no nourishment from my food, the insulin is allowing my body to react like a non-diabetic's body - if i eat too much and don't exercise I put on weight. I think keeping the insulin doses low (by carb restriction for me) helps me to avoid unwanted weight gain (which is one of the reasons why I advocate a low-carb diet for Type 1/1.5s) - I think this is more difficult for insulin-dependant Type 2s, because insulin resistance means that they need larger doses to get it to work (which is one of the reasons why I believe it is better for Type 2s to try to manage their diabetes without using insulin).

Smidge

I think you are right about the insulin fot T2s Smidge. That is why I have always resisted moving on to insulin. Especially as it was not an individual decision made for me but a response to various "campaigns " with financial incentives.

HCP's seem more aware of your point now - probably because there are more alternatives. It just emphasises the point that
although T" has been around for a very long time effecive treatment and evn sometimes a basic understanding is very much still in its infancy.