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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.
