The Impact Of Diabetes Medications On Weight

Note: All of these medications except Metformin are injectables, but are not considered insulin.

All types of insulin tend to add weight including Lantus, Levemir, NPH, Regular and 70/30. This is because the body now absorbs all glucose into the cell where previously some glucose remained in the bloodstream causing damage.

Exercising on a regular basis and losing or maintaining a healthy weight are both factors that can help control blood sugar levels. Regular exercise helps to improve insulin sensitivity and can lower blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important as excess weight can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Avoiding desserts altogether, as suggested in option B, is not necessary for controlling blood sugar levels as long as they are consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Therefore, the correct answer is that all options except B are correct.

If the glucose that enters the cell is not used for fuel, it will be converted into fat, leading to weight gain over time. This is because the body stores excess glucose as fat for later use. Therefore, the statement is true.

All of the medications mentioned (Januvia, Trajenta, Onglyza) are considered weight neutral. This means that they do not typically cause weight gain or weight loss as a side effect. Weight neutrality is an important consideration when choosing medications for certain conditions, such as diabetes, as weight gain can exacerbate the condition or lead to other health issues. Therefore, these medications are preferred in patients who need to maintain or control their weight while managing their condition.

Not all diabetes medications have a side effect of weight gain. While some medications used to treat diabetes may cause weight gain as a side effect, there are also medications available that do not have this effect. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that all diabetes medications cause weight gain.

Insulin does not cause weight gain. This statement is false. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When insulin levels are high, it promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. If these storage sites are already full, the excess glucose is converted into fat, leading to weight gain. Additionally, insulin can also increase appetite, which can contribute to weight gain. Therefore, insulin can indeed cause weight gain.

The given answer is false because it states that you cannot lose weight just by using certain diabetes medications like Metformin or Simlyn. It further explains that in order to lose weight, one also needs to consume fewer calories and increase their activity level. This implies that medication alone is not sufficient for weight loss and other lifestyle changes are necessary.