Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Zoe on March 23, 2011 at 7:56am

Hi Dallas. I'm interested in hearing what responses you get to this question. I started the pump 2 1/2 months ago and I have gained 4 pounds with no change in my habits. I know 4 pounds isn't a lot, but I liked the weight I was at, and am at an age where weight is very hard to lose. I didn't think think there was any reason it would be the pump, unless you had been very high before and got your BG normalized on the pump. For me, that wasn't the case. My numbers were decent before and actually are just settling back into a good range after the adjustment time to the pump when they were all over the map while I tweaked settings.

Were you high and then normalized on the pump? The other thing I have heard is that people get more free with what they eat and bolus for on the pump and gain weight for that reason. (I haven't changed my eating habits) I really can't think of anything about the pump itself that would account for it. If anything I take significantly less insulin than I did on MDI.

Permalink Reply by Sharon (Sneetch by the Beach) on March 23, 2011 at 11:15am

Yes - it happened to me too! I was 10 pounds or so under weight at diagnosis a year and a half ago and now I am 15 to 20 pounds over my ideal weight! Its crazy....I have never gained 30 pounds in just over a year.....but then again....this is my first experience with insulin, pump, and everything diabetic. I've been trying to figure it out too.....does anyone know if the insulin we have to use encourages weight gain? It sure feels that way! Thanks for asking the question....I would like to hear others experiences too.

Permalink Reply by Zoe on March 23, 2011 at 2:56pm

If you gained weight since diagnosis, Sneeetch, that's different. I'm assuming you mean you started the pump right away. I think what the OP is saying is that she didn't gain weight after diagnosis but only after starting the pump. No, insulin itself does not cause weight gain. But many of us are in pretty bad shape at diagnosis and have been running high for a long time. When we stabilize on insulin then are body can better use the food we give it so we gain weight if we keep eating the same way we did before. Also (not saying this is you) some people feel being on insulin or on the pump means they can eat whatever they want and bolus for it and they take more insulin, eat more carbs, gain more weight, take more insulin, etc. You can also develop Insulin resistance like that. So gaining some weight after diagnosis is normal.

But I'm still interested in hearing people who, like the OP, did not gain weight just after diagnosis and starting insulin, but specifically after getting on the pump.

Permalink Reply by Jax on March 23, 2011 at 4:33pm

I've stayed pretty steady with my weight since starting the pump in January. I did put on weight immediately after starting insulin (sept dx). It might have something to do with rapid-acting all of the time vs combo rapid and long? Rapid might make you hungrier, etc. I hear its common to gain weight once starting the pump because your sugar levels are in better control...

Permalink Reply by Sue on March 23, 2011 at 5:58pm

Insulin is a fat-storing hormone. If you have studied the glycemic index diets, you'll understand how this works. You eat foods that require more insulin. The left over insulin is stored as fat. I have been chubby ever since I went on the pump, too. But I can lose it if I follow the GI diets. Nothing white and no starches. These are the biggest offenders. Insulin will cause you to gain weight, but it does depend on what you are dosing for....

Permalink Reply by Josh on March 24, 2011 at 8:48am

I have gained about 10 lbs since I had to start increasing my basal insulin four months ago.

Permalink Reply by Amy on March 24, 2011 at 9:49am

So far no change for me yet .But I have only been insulin for about 3 weeks now. i am interested in hearing from others as well

Permalink Reply by gw on March 24, 2011 at 5:10pm

Absolutely! I was very slim for the first 25 years with BiG D (on insulin injections.) then after pumping for the last 3 years, I gained wait in the first year. Im pretty sure it's because I was metabolising food better with the better control. I have since lost some of the 15 pounds and realized that the best way to be a Type 1 is to exercise every day and reduce the total insulin requirement. Not that this is easy by any means, but I try...

Permalink Reply by Dallas on March 25, 2011 at 9:22am

thanks for your reply! i had a similar situation, but i wasn't sure if it was common with other people. Im exercising everyday and working hard to lose the weight i gained, but as a benefit i am in tighter control so im learning to take the good with the bad.

Permalink Reply by Sandy Palmer on March 25, 2011 at 6:25pm

I actually lost tons of weight as my insulin needs dropped so did my weight.

Permalink Reply by Sharon (Sneetch by the Beach) on March 25, 2011 at 7:36pm

Rock on! You are so fortunate Sandy. :) Hope we follow your lead.

Permalink Reply by Zoe on March 25, 2011 at 7:41pm

That's what I want to hear...lol. I really didn't see any reason why using a pump should make people gain weight, unless they were formerly having poor control, and the pump improves their control. The means of delivery just shouldn't affect weight gain.

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