Why can weight increase after starting insulin, and can it be managed?
Weight lost during uncontrolled diabetes may return as insulin helps the body use energy. Extra calories or repeatedly treating hypoglycaemia may contribute to further gain. Do not reduce or skip insulin for weight loss; review glucose patterns, nutrition and dosing with your team.
Details
No fixed amount applies to everyone
The change depends on previous weight, glucose levels, eating, activity and treatment. Regaining illness-related lost weight may be helpful; ongoing gain beyond nutritional needs warrants a plan review.
Review low-glucose episodes
Record when lows occur alongside meals, activity and doses. Clinician-led adjustments may reduce repeated extra eating to correct glucose. Never leave hypoglycaemia untreated because of concern about calories.
Protect safety while managing weight
A dietitian can help with satisfying meals and suitable portions, while the diabetes team plans activity to prevent lows. Additional medicines may suit some people with type 2 diabetes, but are not an automatic insulin substitute. In type 1 diabetes, stopping insulin can cause ketoacidosis.
Related reading: When is low blood glucose dangerous, and what should I do?.