Expected Weight Changes with Insulin Therapy
When insulin therapy is started, there may be a slight weight gain, but this is typically the case. According to a study, a twice-daily insulin regimen caused a mean weight gain of 3.3 kg throughout the first six months of treatment. Additionally, it is essential to remember that each patient may respond differently, and some may put on more or less weight than usual. Numerous factors, including nutrition, exercise, and the specific insulin regimen, might affect the weight gain experienced.
Strategies to Minimize or Prevent Weight Gain
The best chance of preventing weight gain and assisting a patient in maintaining or even losing weight is to implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and to encourage frequent physical activity. Less weight gain may result from MNT delivered by certified dietitians when therapy is intensified to enhance glycemic control (Thomas-Dobersen, 2003). Consider utilizing more recent insulin regimens, which have been demonstrated to result in less weight gain (Apovian et al., 2019). Patient education on the potential for weight gain and strategies to minimize it can be crucial in managing this element of insulin therapy. Patients are more likely to adhere to their treatment programs and maintain their weight while undergoing insulin therapy if they receive continuing care and frequent follow-ups.
Weight Gain, Glycemic Control, and Cardiovascular Risks
A patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease would have increased if they had gained weight as opposed to losing it, even though his glycemic control significantly improved. However, it is critical to remember that for those with type 2 diabetes, the therapeutic benefits of better glycemic control may outweigh any potential small weight gain (Lipscombe et al., 2018). According to the UK Prospective Diabetes Study and other studies, initiating insulin and tightening glycemic control in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease can dramatically lower the risk of cardiovascular disease despite possible small weight gains.
As a result, not all people starting insulin therapy will gain weight, but it can be managed with dietary and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, the benefits of improved glycemic management typically outweigh the potential dangers of a small amount of weight gain. Moreover, it’s crucial to remember that each patient’s situation is distinct, and healthcare providers should tailor their treatment strategies to accommodate any specific needs or conditions. Regular monitoring and treatment plan revisions are advised to provide the most significant outcomes and minimize potential adverse effects, such as weight gain.
References
Apovian, C. M., Okemah, J., & O’Neil, P. M. (2019). Body weight considerations in the management of type 2 diabetes. Advances in Therapy, 36(1), 44–58. Web.
Lipscombe, L. L., Booth, G. L., Butalia, S., Dasgupta, K., Eurich, D. T., Goldenberg, R., Khan, N. A., MacCallum, L., Shah, B. R., & Simpson, S. H. (2018). Pharmacologic glycemic management of type 2 diabetes in adults. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 42, S88–S103. Web.
Thomas-Dobersen, D. (2003). Case study: A 64-year-old man with a 9-year history of type 2 diabetes in whom insulin therapy led to improved control but no weight gain after six months. Clinical Diabetes, 21(4), 190–192. Web.