Diabetes patients who start insulin usually notice weights going either way (up & down), particularly within the first few months. So, does diabetes cause weight gain? Yes, it can cause weight gain, especially when insulin treatment is involved. It can also happen when blood sugar levels are not monitored correctly, and there are other factors involved.

But if you take care of your diet, it’s possible to maintain an appropriate weight. You can make use of tried and tested methods and tools. DMM supplies the sensors and smart monitoring tools to help keep your numbers steady, your weight on track, and your care personalized. With the right tech and tips, your weight and A1C don’t have to compete.

The Science Behind Diabetes and Weight Changes

According to the CREDIT study of NCBI, many people with type 2 diabetes who start insulin gain weight, about 4 pounds on average, and nearly a quarter gain 11 pounds or more within a year. Weight gain isn’t about overeating. It’s how diabetes changes energy use and storage.
People with diabetes often gain weight due to how the body processes glucose and insulin.

The reason it happens in type 2 diabetes is that insulin resistance starts to drive fat storage. As resistance builds, the pancreas produces more insulin to push glucose into cells. Increased insulin signals the body to accumulate fat, most noticeably around the waist. Hence the weight gain.

Why Does Weight Increase In Insulin Resistance?

The main reason is energy imbalance and fat storage. Insulin resistance doesn’t let glucose enter cells. To get glucose (energy), the body releases more insulin, which in turn increases hunger. This ends up forming an unhealthy cycle of storing fat for no reason. As diabetes progresses, this cycle makes it harder to maintain weight, even with good eating habits, but it can be managed. First, see what type of weight fluctuations are normal or not normal.

Weight Patterns in Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

A BMI between 19 and 25 kg/m² is considered medically appropriate. If you have more or less weight than that and have diabetes, then insulin resistance can affect you more. See how:

Type 1 Diabetes and Weight Changes

• Weight loss is common before diagnosis due to complete insulin deficiency.
• The body burns muscle and fat for energy when glucose isn’t absorbed.
• Once insulin therapy begins, weight typically returns and may increase.
• Hypoglycemia correction (e.g., juice, glucose tablets) can lead to calorie excess.
• Some patients experience weight gain if insulin dosing is not matched with intake.

Weight Changes in Type 2 Diabetes

• Starts with overweight or obesity, particularly around the abdomen.
• Insulin resistance results in more insulin release, which stores fat unnecessarily
• Blood sugar improves with treatment, but fewer calories are lost in urine.
• Medications like insulin, sulfonylureas, and TZDs might promote further gain.
• Inactive routines and excess intake during treatment contribute to slow gain over time.

While diabetes can cause weight gain, these effects are not involuntary. They show up when the condition isn’t managed properly and how the body responds to insulin.

6 Methods to Manage Weight Gain with Diabetes

There are tons of studies done to show what’s suitable and not suitable for diabetics’ weight. We’ve compiled a list of evidence-based approaches that balance caloric intake, glucose regulation, and medication use. The following strategies address core contributors to weight gain. By combining all these, you can reduce abdominal fat with diabetes!

1: Track Calorie Intake and Waist Measurements

Being aware of portions and macronutrient balance doesn’t mean you have an eating disorder as a diabetic. Undiagnosed people carrying central fat are at higher risk for insulin resistance and related health issues. Both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals should:

• Plan meals with a balanced distribution of protein, healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, & fiber-rich carbohydrates. We notice the best result on our patients after recommending protein shakes.
• Never take second servings, high-calorie beverages, and processed foods.
• Work with a clinical dietitian and let them create a plan on how to gain weight with diabetes or how to stop insulin weight gain
• Keep an eye on waist circumference to detect variations in visceral fat

2: Control Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is known to mess up glucose metabolism by worsening vascular stress and reducing insulin uptake. Just by maintaining blood pressure, you lower the burden on insulin function and reduce the risk of both macrovascular and microvascular complications.

Regular home readings help identify early fluctuations and improve self-management. For convenient at-home health tracking, DMM offers blood pressure monitors for the wrist and upper arm. These tools support lifestyle and medication adjustments that reduce the burden of insulin resistance.

3: Choose Low-Glycemic Foods

The effects of post-meal glucose spikes could cause death and can even lead to weight growth. Manage and treat it by eating foods with low glycemic indexes to reduce the release of reactive insulin. These are the most recommended food items:

• Whole grains (quinoa, oats), green vegetables, lentils
• Low-fructose fruits (berries, apples)
• Protein-rich options (fish, eggs, tofu)
• Fiber-dense snacks (nuts, chia seeds)

Did you know diabetes patients can enjoy cookies too, if chosen wisely? Check out our guide on diabetes-friendly cookies to learn which ones are safe and satisfying.

4: Establish a Consistent Meal Schedule

The meal timing is also important for people with diabetes on insulin pumps. Skipping meals might cause glucose fluctuations and even trigger overeating. With a routine meal structure, diabetics can prevent hypoglycemia and support stable insulin dosing. Having fixed timing, it also reduces the temptation to overeat.

• Eat 3 balanced meals per day (space them evenly)
• Each meal should contain 20-30g of protein from lean sources (poultry, legumes, fish)
• Use Freestyle Libre 2 or 3 sensors to monitor your glucose data

5: Monitor Blood Glucose Regularly

Real-time glucose data allows for proactive dose adjustments and helps prevent both hyperglycemia and overcorrection-induced hypoglycemia. These are the main causes of weight gain during insulin therapy. DMM provides advanced glucose monitoring systems, including:

• FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 Sensors: Scan-based systems with continuous trend monitoring to adjust insulin timing and response to meals.
• Dexcom G6 and G7: Real-time CGMs that provide alerts and trend data which help avoid insulin overuse and calorie correction.

Long-term use of these sensors has been linked to improved glycemic control, lower insulin needs, and greater dietary flexibility. All of which support weight management.

6: Mild Physical Activity

Inactivity promotes fat storage, and regular physical activity improves muscle glucose uptake. By light activities, you also reduce insulin requirements and increase resting energy expenditure. Exercise timing, duration, and intensity should be reviewed with a diabetes care provider, especially when on insulin therapy. This much you can do even if you’re diabetic:

• Minimum goal: 150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking, swimming)
• Add strength training 2x/week to increase lean mass and improve insulin response

Discuss Weight-Neutral Diabetes Medications with Your Provider

Certain antihyperglycemic agents may support weight control or even promote loss by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing appetite. Medication classes with weight-reducing potential include:

• Metformin
• GLP-1 receptor agonists
• SGLT2 inhibitors
• Amylin analogues

These medications might reduce the risk of fat gain while providing optimal insulin. Your healthcare provider will review treatment plans based on A1C history, renal status, and medication response.

Do Not Change Insulin Doses Without Medical Supervision

Insulin can cause weight gain, but it doesn’t suggest that you must reduce the doses or avoid insulin altogether. It is unsafe clinically and will raise the risk of hyperglycemia and long-term complications. What you can do is prioritize optimal glucose control through the use of automated insulin delivery systems and continuous data monitoring.

When to Ask Your Doctor

While diabetes causes weight gain as it advances, it may be well managed through self-monitoring and diet plus exercise changes. All these are fundamentals; however, the individual should consult his or her physician if he or she experiences a weight gain of more than five pounds in a short span of time. Other indicators are a widening waistline or poorly controlled blood glucose readings.

So, does diabetes cause weight gain? In many cases, yes, but often due to medication side effects, insulin dosing, and glycemic variability. It has not much to do with your eating habits, but that is a factor that requires attention. Before and after meals, monitoring your glucose levels is recommended. Accurate tracking tools can support early action.

Frequently Asked Questions