Why do diabetic patients gain weight?
Jul 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
In general, weight gain in diabetic patients may be caused by improper diet, lack of exercise, insulin therapy, insulin resistance, Cushing's syndrome, or other factors. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, one should maintain a regular作息 (routine/schedule), avoid staying up late, maintain a positive mindset, and avoid overeating triggered by emotional fluctuations.
Generally, weight gain in diabetic patients may be caused by improper diet, lack of exercise, insulin therapy, insulin resistance, Cushing's syndrome, and other factors. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Improper Diet
If diabetic patients do not control their diet properly, consuming excessive high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods, and the total calorie intake exceeds energy consumption, the excess calories will be converted into fat and accumulate in the body, leading to weight gain. It is important to strictly control diet in daily life and reduce the intake of fried foods, desserts, fatty meats, and similar foods.
2. Lack of Exercise
If diabetic patients lack physical activity for a long time, the calories burned by the body decrease, and the energy intake cannot be consumed timely, which can easily lead to fat accumulation and weight gain. Patients should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and similar activities.
3. Insulin Therapy
Some diabetic patients require insulin injections to control blood glucose levels. Insulin promotes glucose uptake and utilization by the body and also promotes fat synthesis and storage. If the insulin dosage is inappropriate or not combined with dietary control, it may lead to weight gain. Insulin dosage should be precisely adjusted under a doctor's guidance, while maintaining strict dietary control to avoid excessive calorie intake.
4. Insulin Resistance
When the body tissues become less sensitive to insulin and insulin cannot function effectively, the body secretes more insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Excess insulin promotes fat synthesis, leading to weight gain. Under a doctor's guidance, medications that improve insulin resistance may be used, such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, empagliflozin tablets, dapagliflozin tablets, and others.
5. Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome causes excessive secretion of glucocorticoids in the body. These hormones promote fat redistribution and synthesis, resulting in central obesity. They may also affect blood glucose regulation and worsen diabetes. Under a doctor's guidance, medications that inhibit glucocorticoid synthesis may be used, such as ketoconazole tablets, metyrapone tablets, aminoglutethimide tablets, and others.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular routine and avoid staying up late; maintain a positive mindset and avoid emotional fluctuations that may lead to overeating; monitor weight and blood glucose levels regularly, and intervene promptly when abnormalities are detected.
