Type 1 Diabetes for 7 Years, Will Insulin Make me Gain Weight

A:

You have had type 1 Diabetes for seven years, and this is indeed a long course. It is true that weight gain can occur in people who take insulin to treat Diabetes. Insulin, a  hormone that is secreted by pancreas, is responsible for carrying glucose into cells for energy use. People with type 1 Diabetes can not produce insulin, so they will need exogenous insulin to control blood glucose. The more insulin you use to maintain your blood glucose level, the more glucose is absorbed into your cells, rather than eliminated by your body. The absorbed glucose is stored as fat, which makes you gain weight. Of course, that just one of the links between insulin and weight gain.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll need to modify your diet accordingly. Otherwise, it’s probable that you’ll gain weight once you begin taking insulin – which will only compound the problem your body already has maintaining proper blood glucose levels, as well as increase your risk of diabetes-related complications. As for your condition, the combination of the two factors have caused overweight. You will need to monitor blood glucose more carefully, clear the fluctuation of blood glucose, discuss with doctors to make proper insulin treatment plan and make a careful dietary plan.