Insulin and Weight Gain: Are You Gaining Weight on Insulin?
Of course, there's no question -- you must take the insulin or other diabetes medications your doctor prescribes. Unfortunately, this can lead to the last thing you want: weight gain.
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Here's why it happens: the more insulin you use to control your blood sugar level, the more glucose gets into your cells and the less glucose is wasted in your urine. The glucose that your cells no longer use simply accumulates as fat. Oral medications have the same effect as insulin replacement.
What can be done to keep those pounds off? Well, there's no magic bullet but there are strategies you can use to stay at a healthy and stable weight.
DON'T SKIP MEALS. If you go without a meal than your body tells your metabolism to slow down to prepare for a fast. When you eat well-balanced, nutritious meals at a regular time each day, your metabolism will stay on a steady keel.
PAY ATTENTION TO CALORIE INTAKE. As we all know by now, when we eat and drink fewer calories we won't gain weight. Keep low-calorie snacks handy, fill your plate with vegetables, opt for whole grains rather than processed foods, and choose fruit instead of sugary treats. Don't forget the trick of using a smaller plate; studies show you'll eat less.
ENJOY AN EXERCISE ROUTINE. Nothing burns calories like a steady exercise routine. You don't have to pound the gym as if you're a contestant on "The Biggest Loser." Dancing, water aerobics, walking, and biking are all excellent choices. The secret is to make exercising, at least a 30 minute work-out, a regular part of your day.
BE VIGILANT ABOUT YOUR INSULIN. Don't be tempted to skip or reduce your insulin intake because you've been noticing you're putting on weight. The risks are too serious. If you're not taking enough insulin, blood sugar rises - and you'll be setting yourself up for complications from diabetes.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT SWITCHING MEDS. Some diabetes medications that help regulate blood glucose levels - including metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, others), exenatide (Byetta), liraglutide (Victoza) and pramlintide (Symlin) - may promote weight loss and enable you to reduce your insulin dosage.
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