A short guide to basal insulins

[Amity Island]

How to use basal insulin: Benefits, types, and dosage

Basal, or background, insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels in people diagnosed with diabetes. It keeps glucose levels steady throughout the day and night. It is taken as injections, once a day or more often. The type of insulin and number of daily injections varies. Find out more about the...

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[DaveB]

I would disagree with several points made in this article. A Bolus insulin is just as important as a Basal hence the Bolus/Basal regime. Also this regime is not commonly being replaced by pumps. Insulin does not cause weight gain. Eating too many Carbs does.

 

[Amity Island]

I would disagree with several points made in this article. A Bolus insulin is just as important as a Basal hence the Bolus/Basal regime. Also this regime is not commonly being replaced by pumps. Insulin does not cause weight gain. Eating too many Carbs does.

Hi DaveB,

I read that too.

"Weight gain: This is a possible effect of using any insulin."

But what exactly does that mean?

I'm fairly certain insulin or carbs on their own can't cause weight gain unless the relevant amount of insulin/carbs is also taken for it be able to enter the bloodstream. But overeating can be done whether you are diabetic or not. Any excess food will be stored as fat if it's not burnt off.

Any ideas what they are refering to?

 

[DaveB]

Hi DaveB,

I read that too.

"Weight gain: This is a possible effect of using any insulin."

But what exactly does that mean?

I'm fairly certain insulin or carbs on their own can't cause weight gain unless the relevant amount of insulin/carbs is also taken for it be able to enter the bloodstream. But overeating can be done whether you are diabetic or not. Any excess food will be stored as fat if it's not burnt off.

Any ideas what they are refering to?

I think they are wrongly following the line you often hear that insulin can cause weight gain. There is the lack of understanding that insulin is merely a hormonal enabler for the metabolism of carbs and neither can work without the other in releasing energy for immediate use or for storage.