Meena Devi Meena Devi Asked 9 months ago

Do insulin shots cause weight gain?

My doctor has started me on insulin shots for my diabetes. I'm worried about putting on extra weight, as I'm already struggling with my current weight. Is it true that insulin shots can cause weight gain?

12

12 answers

Sonia Bhatia Sonia Bhatia Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago
Most liked

I totally get it, it feels so unfair when you are trying to manage your diabetes and suddenly your clothes start getting tight. I cried when I put on 3 kgs in a month on insulin. Please be gentle with yourself, your body is just adjusting to the hormone.

Meera Krishnan Meera Krishnan Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

According to my doctor, insulin is a growth-promoting hormone that helps your cells store glucose, which can lead to weight gain if your calorie intake is high. He strictly advised me to monitor my portion sizes and not to eat extra food just to 'match' the insulin dose unless my sugar is actually low.

Pooja Hegde Pooja Hegde Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

I completely understand how anxious you must be feeling about this; I couldn't sleep for days when my doctor suggested insulin shots because of the weight gain stories online. But honestly, the weight gain is manageable and getting your sugars under control is a massive relief for your body.

Sandeep Nayar Sandeep Nayar Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Yes, they do cause some weight gain. Cutting down on heavy dinner carbs helped me keep my weight stable after starting insulin.

Rahul Malhotra Rahul Malhotra Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Hey, don't stress too much about the weight gain right now. Your health and stable blood sugar levels are way more important than a few extra kilos. Once your body settles down with the insulin routine, you can easily work on losing that weight with some simple changes.

Powered by

Consult a dietary specialist

Gurpreet Singh Gurpreet Singh Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

I have been on insulin for 5 years and initially gained 6 kgs. My tip is to watch out for 'defensive eating' where you eat extra out of fear of low sugar. Keep a strict track of your calories and do at least 30 minutes of mild exercise daily.

Vijay Thakkar Vijay Thakkar Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Instead of buying expensive diet foods to control the weight gain from insulin, just make simple changes. Swap white rice for brown rice or daliya, and cut down on tea with sugar. This worked wonders for my father without costing extra money.

Smita Patil Smita Patil Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Haan na, weight toh badhta hai insulin se, my uncle also faced the same thing. Actually, the body starts utilizing the sugar instead of throwing it out in urine, isliye vajan badhta hai. But thoda daily walking shuru karo, control ho jayega.

Rameshwar Prasad Rameshwar Prasad Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

Hamare yahan doctor sahab ne bataya ki suji aur chokar wali roti khane se vajan jyada nahi badhta hai jab aap suee lete hain. Aap bilkul chinta mat kijiye, parhej rakhiye aur subah thoda ghoomne jaiye, sab badhiya hoga.

Related reads

All articles
Devendra Vyas Devendra Vyas Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

At my age, health is more important than looking slim. When I started insulin ten years ago, my weight went up, but my energy levels improved significantly. Focus on keeping your organs healthy with the right medicine, weight can always be managed.

Nida Fatima Nida Fatima Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Having PCOS, I already struggle with insulin resistance and weight management, so I know how scary weight gain can be. If you are starting insulin shots, there can be some weight changes. It is best to work closely with your doctor to find a diet that supports your metabolism.

Anil Kumble Anil Kumble Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Yes, insulin promotes fat storage, so weight gain is a known side effect. You have to be very careful with your diet—focus on high protein, fiber, and low glycemic index foods. Don't skip meals or take extra insulin to eat sweets, that is a bad cycle.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.