Question from the United Kingdom:

I am 60 years old, and was on tablets for some 20 years before I started taking insulin two years ago. Now, I inject 200 units each day, and I am very concerned about what I think is the high insulin amounts needed to keep my blood sugar within range. I have gained much weight (60 pounds to be exact) since I started insulin injections. I was already grossly overweight then, and today I weigh a massive 290 pounds. My general practitioner is a good guy whom I trust, and he says the insulin is causing the weight gain, saying it is a steroid like muscle builders use to “pump up their weight” illegally!

To really complicate things, people say how well and healthy I look, for which I am most grateful, but in truth I ache all over, feel tired except for four hours when I wake, and I always feel hungry. I am trying like crazy to lose weight, but with no success. I am hungry all the time. Sadly, due to arthritis in my legs/feet, and a worn out kneecap, I cannot do a great deal of strenuous exercise, although I do as much as possible in the circumstances.

I would appreciate a second opinion on my weight and high insulin intake.