Cause of weight gain | Weight normalization
Many patients with type 1 diabetes note that with the start of insulin therapy they began to gain weight. It is a mistake to assume that the hormone alone causes this. We understand the causes and necessary actions to stop the gain in body weight.
Is it true that insulin provokes weight gain?
Not certainly in that way. The whole thing lies in energy exchange. Insulin affects all metabolic processes in the body, but its main role in the proper absorption of carbohydrates. Insulin transports glucose through the membranes of cells that use carbohydrate as fuel.
The muscle and fatty tissues of the body are insulin-dependent. They spend the received energy on various processes (movement, respiration, blood circulation, etc.), and store the surplus. When there is not enough insulin, the cells begin to starve and spend their existing reserves to cover energy costs. Under such conditions, a person quickly loses weight (a characteristic symptom in the development of type 1 diabetes).
If body mass gain occurs at the start of insulin therapy, this is an indication that the doses of insulin administered are too large.
Insulin also affects other metabolic processes. This is mainly due to its ability to affect the activity of a number of enzymes. One of these effects is an increase in the synthesis of fatty acids, followed by the formation of more complex structures in adipose tissue, and their accumulation. These processes are necessary for normal life.
If body mass gain occurs at the start of insulin therapy, insulin should not be blamed. This is an indication that, for some reason, the doses of insulin administered are too large. This stimulates the accumulation of calories. To stop weight gain, you should review the diet and adjust the dosage.
What to do to safely normalize weight, taking into account insulin therapy?
- Try to maintain normal blood sugar.
Doses of insulin that are too high lead to a risk of hypoglycemia, provoke the release of hormones to counteract insulin (a protective reaction of the body) and increase the ability to accumulate energy reserves in adipose tissue. Inadequate administration of the drug entails the development of a number of complications of diabetes.
- Exercise and nutrition.
There is a large variety of food available for people with type 1 diabetes. But the approach— eat what you want and how much you want” — is wrong. The principles of balanced nutrition and restrictions on the energy value of the daily diet should be respected by everyone, whether diabetes is present or not. If you regularly eat more food than is required to maintain daily activity, weight gain is inevitable.
Do not forget also about an effective method of maintaining normal weight— exercise. The point is not only the ability to burn excess fat reserves, but also the unusual effect of physical activity on the ability of tissues to capture glucose. The coefficient of sensitivity to insulin in life may vary. The necessary dose of the hormone to cover the consumed carbohydrates depends on it. Physical activity increases tissue sensitivity to insulin. This means that regular exercise helps to reduce the amount of insulin administered.