Weight gain during Insulin Therapy

Patients receiving insulin therapy often gain weight. This tends to be related to the amount of the insulin dose and improved blood glucose control. In better glycemic control frequent urination is decreased and fewer calories are lost in the urine. There is decreased dehydration and protein loss.

Insulin intake often causes an increase in appetite. Hypoglycemia is often experienced and must be treated with increased food intake. Some ways to decrease food intake and still manage hypoglycemia include eating small meals every 3 to 4 hours throughout the day, avoiding foods containing high levels of sugar and eliminating alcohol.