Is insulin treatment always associated with weight gain? Insulin detemir in the light of clinical studies

Abstract

In this review we describe the problem of excessive weight gain during insulin treatment in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We explain possible causes of this phenomenon, such as hypoglycemia and defensive snacking, anabolic action of insulin, and results of non-physiologic mode of insulin administration. We explain advantages of use of detemir, a long-acting insulin analog, in patients with diabetes and illustrate mechanisms of its beneficial action in respect to weight gain.