Insulin and weight gain: Keep the pounds off

Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand, but weight control is possible! If you need insulin therapy, here's how to minimize — or avoid — weight gain.

Insulin and weight gain often go hand in hand. But if you need insulin therapy, you're not necessarily doomed to gain unwanted weight. Start by understanding how insulin therapy works. Then consider steps you can take to minimize — or avoid — weight gain while you're taking insulin.

How does insulin therapy work?

Insulin is a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar (glucose) — your body's main source of fuel — into your cells. Normally, the pancreas secretes insulin when you eat. The insulin allows sugar to enter your cells and, in turn, lowers the amount of sugar in your blood. But if you have diabetes, this process doesn't work properly. Instead of being transported into your cells, excess glucose accumulates in your blood. Eventually, your kidneys may compensate by excreting glucose in your urine.

Enter insulin therapy, which can improve your body's ability to use and store glucose. If you have diabetes, insulin therapy may be an important part of your diabetes treatment plan. Often, insulin is injected using a fine needle and syringe. Other options may include an insulin pen or an insulin pump.

What's the connection between insulin and weight gain?

Weight gain is a common side effect for people who take insulin. The more insulin you use to control your blood sugar level, the more glucose that gets into your cells and the less glucose that's wasted in your urine. Glucose that your cells don't use accumulates as fat. If you continue to eat as you did before, you'll likely gain weight when you start taking insulin.

Think about it this way: Before you start taking insulin, you may be able to eat more food than you need without gaining weight because your body doesn't use the food properly. But when you start taking insulin, all bets are off. When your body uses food properly, you may need less food than you think.

And the concern about insulin and weight gain goes beyond what you see in the mirror. Excess weight can make your body resistant to the action of insulin — which means that you may need to take even more insulin to get sugar into your cells.

Is it possible to avoid weight gain while taking insulin?

You bet! When it comes to insulin and weight gain, you may feel as if the scales are tipped against you — but your weight is within your control. Eating healthy foods and including physical activity in your daily routine can help you prevent unwanted weight gain.

Count calories. Consuming fewer calories is a surefire way to prevent weight gain when you're taking insulin. And it doesn't have to be difficult. Stock the house with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. At the same time, look for easy ways to cut calories. You might trim your portion sizes, skip second helpings and swap high-calorie drinks for water. For help creating a meal plan, consult a registered dietitian.
Eat breakfast. Skipping meals may save you hundreds of calories, but there's more to the story. When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down — which only promotes weight gain. Instead, spread your calories throughout the day to steady your metabolism.
Get moving. Physical activity moves sugar from your blood into your cells. The more active you are, the lower your blood sugar level — and the more calories you'll burn. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Start a lunchtime walking group with your co-workers. Use hand weights or work out with a fitness ball during your favorite TV shows. Take the stairs when you can. Remember, any physical activity counts.
Ask your doctor about other diabetes medications. Some diabetes medications — including metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, others), exenatide (Byetta) and pramlintide (Symlin) — may promote weight loss and allow you to reduce your insulin dosage. Ask your doctor if these or other medications would be an appropriate part of your diabetes treatment plan.
Take your insulin as directed. Resist the temptation to skip or shortchange your insulin to ward off weight gain. Although you might shed pounds quickly if you take less insulin than you need, the risks are serious. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar level will rise — and so will your risk of diabetes complications.

Changing your lifestyle can be tough, but the rewards are real. Start making healthy lifestyle choices today!