Insulin Therapy: How to Avoid Unhealthy Weight Gain

Author: Chantelle van der Merwe

Registered Dietitian (SA). PGDip Diabetes Management (UK). Combining creativity and expertise to manage diabetes through nutrition.

I have seen many patients on insulin therapy who struggle with weight gain. Insulin therapy can be a lifesaver for individuals with diabetes, but it can also lead to weight gain if not managed properly. If you are on insulin therapy and want to avoid weight gain, here are some practical tips you can follow:

1. Track your calorie intake: Overeating can contribute to weight gain. Fear of hypoglycemia and regular hypoglycemic events are common culprits that lead to overeating. Remember, too much insulin can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods. It is essential to track your calorie intake and ensure that you are consuming the right amount of calories to reach your goals with better diabetic control and fat loss. Your registered dietitian can help you calculate the amounts you require per day of not only calories but also protein, fat, and carbs.
2. Track your total carbohydrate intake: Your overall carbohydrate intake is just as important as managing your overall energy intake. Your risk of hypoglycemia will increase when you inject too much insulin for the amount of carbohydrates that you consumed. Your registered dietitian can assist with calculating an appropriate insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio for you, in addition to developing a personalized nutrition plan that is suitable for your health needs and goals. Regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels and keeping a food diary with the amount of insulin injected with each meal will help your health care providers greatly in making necessary adjustments to your treatment
3. Choose low-glycemic index foods: Foods with a low glycemic index (GI) should be an important part of your meal plan. Lower GI foods promote a slow, steady increase in blood glucose levels. This can contribute to more stable blood glucose control. Remember, the portion of your carbohydrate foods, even if low GI, needs to be controlled to match your recommended calorie intake for weight control, and your insulin dose needs to be matched with the amount of carbohydrates you consume for better glucose control as well.
4. Exercise regularly: Some individuals on insulin therapy may have insulin resistance, which means that their cells do not respond to insulin effectively. This can result in higher insulin doses being required to regulate blood sugar levels, which can contribute to weight gain over time. Regular exercise can help reduce insulin resistance and promote weight loss. Consult your doctor before engaging in any exercise program.
5. Prioritize good sleep: Poor sleep quality and duration are associated with increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which causes insulin resistance. Improving sleep quality and duration may have important implications for improving insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in individuals on insulin therapy.
6. Stress management: Chronic stress has also been linked to the development of insulin resistance. Take steps to manage stress effectively to promote better glycemic control and weight management.

In conclusion, it is essential to manage your insulin therapy carefully and work with your healthcare team to adjust your treatment to meet your needs. Proper management of insulin therapy, combined with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, good sleep, and appropriate stress management, can help prevent excessive weight gain in people with diabetes on insulin therapy. Remember to regularly test your blood glucose levels, keep a food diary, and follow the recommendations of your healthcare team. With these tips, you can successfully manage your weight and improve your overall health while on insulin therapy.