Insulin sensitizers are a class of type 2 diabetes drugs that work by lowering your insulin resistance. Medicines include rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos). Metformin also increases sensitivity to insulin but isn’t usually classified as an “insulin sensitizer,” says the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Insulin sensitizers have helped many people with type 2 diabetes, but unfortunately, they also contribute to weight gain for most – usually about 2-10 pounds.
Studies have also shown that insulin sensitizers can increase your subcutaneous fat (the fat under your skin). However, they also result in a decrease in visceral fat (the fat around your midsection). Therefore, it’s possible that these drugs move the fat from your stomach to the fat under your skin. There would be no real rise in total body fat, however, and this probably would not result in weight gain.
Part of the weight gain is usually from water retention. You’ll probably also notice that your shoes become tight, your rings feel snug and are hard to get off, and your hands may generally not feel right.
Water retention can usually be combated with a low-dose diuretic medication, says the ADA.
If you have a heart condition, be especially aware, because water retention can bring on congestive heart failure.
Compiled from 101 Tips for Simplifying Diabetes by the University of New Mexico Diabetes Care Team.
No comments:
Post a Comment