Over the past year and a half, I have gained 28 pounds. I watch what I eat and exercise regularly. I have tried to lose weight by cutting back my insulin. However, my sugars are now extremely high, and I have only gained more weight. I still eat a low carb and fat diet and exercise. Is it possible that I have gained weight because my sugars are so out of control? I am going on the pump to control my blood sugars. Do you think that it will help me lose weight as well?

Weight gain always means too many calories going in and not enough exercise, unless you have excess cortisone being produced or being given or have hypothyroidism. These can be checked quite easily by most physicians.

Writing down exactly what you are drinking and eating will let you see if you are consuming bigger portions than necessary. High sugars should produce weight loss if anything, so being out of control does not translate into gaining weight. Also, any improved control of glucose levels without less food or more activity will also produce weight gain since there is a smaller amount of glucose being lost in the urine. Could your weight gain be occurring associated with improved control (lower hemoglobin A1c values)?

SB
Additional comments from Stephanie Schwartz, diabetes nurse specialist:

An insulin pump will not help you lose weight unless you reduce your caloric intake and step-up your exercise program. I suggest that you meet with a diabetes dietitian and, perhaps an exercise specialist, to help you devise an appropriate weight loss program.

SS

[Editor’s comment: You should be aware that most people who start insulin pumps actually gain weight! This is not meant to discourage you from starting the pump, but it is something that your diabetes team should have pointed out to you already.

WWQ]