Does Insulin Cause Weight Gain

Even if their blood sugars are uncontrolled, many Type II diabetics resist taking insulin because of their fear of weight gain. However, experts at Southwestern Medical Center claim this is unfounded.

In a three year study, three groups of patients ranging between 21 and 70 years old were evaluated for compliance, satisfaction, effectiveness, and quality of life. There were two groups: the standard triple oral therapy and insulin plus metformin. For the first three months, both groups took insulin plus metformin. After three months, the patients were randomized. Patients were checked monthly for the first four months, six months after randomization, and then every three months for three years.

Out of 58 patients, 24 were in the insulin treated group while 21 were in the standard triple oral therapy group. Researchers found the insulin treated group had fewer low blood sugar levels, gained less weight, and reported high satisfaction with the insulin.