Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I am a 51 year old woman who has had
type 2 diabetes
for approximately 10 years and took only oral medications until about 6 months ago. My doctor put me of 20 units twice a day of
Novolog Mix 70/30
using a
FlexPen
plus I take
Avandamet
4/1000
(one pill twice a day). It has been seven months since I started this,
combination and I keep gaining weight. I have gained almost 60 pounds, and
I have not increased my calorie intake to do so.
I contacted the company that makes Novolog and they did tell me that weight
gain is a side effect. My physician also says that the combination will make
me gain, but when does it stop? My sugar is controlled, but I am putting
myself at high risk for other problems (like a heart attack) with this extra
weight. I was
already about 70 pounds overweight, and now I am obese. My doctor just
tells me to be more careful but it seems every time that I inject this
insulin I put on another pound. I am very concerned and need help. Can you
shed some light on this subject, please? I am just miserable.
Answer
When a doctor starts an individual with diabetes on a more intensive
diabetes regimen (i.e., insulin) to control
blood glucose,
a decrease
in calories of 300 to 500 per day should also be started to prevent the
weight gain that accompanies this. Insulin is a storage hormone and does
promote uptake of calories and storage of fat. Your best alternative is to
see a dietitian, who can prescribe the correct amount of calories to promote
weight loss.
In addition, it is a well-known fact that exercise promotes
weight loss, as well as making your body more insulin-sensitive. This means
that you may not need as much insulin to achieve the same level of blood
glucose control, which should help to control your weight.
slb
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26Oct2004
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