Non-traditional Factors Contribute to Weight Gain with Insulin

According to results of the CREDIT study, increased weight gain occurred among insulin users who had a higher HbA1c at baseline; had a lower BMI; less frequently used concomitant glucose-lowering medications; did not start basal insulin; and were using multiple insulin injection regimens. Additionally, higher insulin dose at 1 year was associated with more weight gain; slightly higher HbA1c persisted among patients who gained weight. “Insulin dose at 1 year was the strongest predictor of weight gain, independent of baseline BMI or HbA1c. Higher baseline BMI was associated with less weight gain, thus baseline obesity should not be an impediment for appropriate insulin treatment. A higher baseline HbA1c and tri-therapy with oral agents were associated with weight gain even after controlling for insulin dose.” Balkau B. Abstract #113. Presented at: The European Association for the Study of Diabetes 47th Annual Meeting; Sept. 12-16, 2011