- Yes, Tresiba, like most insulins, can cause weight gain.
- People with type 1 diabetes gained an average of 1.8kg after 52 weeks.
- People with type 2 diabetes gained an average of 3.0kg after 52 weeks.
Weight gain is a side effect of most insulins, including Tresiba, and is attributed to the way insulin works to allow cells to uptake excess sugar from the blood and convert it into a form of energy they can use or store it for future use as fat.
Research has shown that after 52 weeks of treatment with Tresiba, people type 1 diabetes gained an average of 1.8 kg and patients with type 2 diabetes gained an average of 3.0 kg.
Ways to minimize how much weight you gain with insulin include:
- Counting calories. Meals should consist of half non-starchy vegetables, one-quarter protein, and one-quarter starch. Trim portion sizes.
- Don’t skip meals.
- Be active every day.
- Ask your doctor about other diabetes medications that are appropriate for you and less likely to cause weight gain.
- Take your insulin as directed, do not adjust your dosage without your doctor’s permission.
There is also a small risk of Tresiba causing sodium and water retention, which causes edema and weight gain. This happened in 0.9% of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 3.0% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with Tresiba.
FAQs
Some people taking Tresiba may gain weight. In fact, weight gain is a common side effect of all insulins. It happens because of the way insulin works in your body. Insulin helps your liver, muscles, and fat cells remove excess sugar from your blood and store it for future use.
How to take Tresiba and not gain weight? ›
Ways to minimize how much weight you gain with insulin include:
- Counting calories. ...
- Don't skip meals.
- Be active every day.
- Ask your doctor about other diabetes medications that are appropriate for you and less likely to cause weight gain.
Which insulin causes the most weight gain? ›
All types of insulin can lead to weight gain. However, studies show that insulin determir (Levemir) may lead to less weight gain than insulin glargine (Lantus) and intermediate-acting insulin.
What are the problems with Tresiba? ›
Tresiba is available in 100 units per mL (U-100) and 200 units per mL (U-200) formulations. Common Tresiba side effects include hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), weight gain, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) like the common cold. Injection site reactions may also occur.
Do you gain weight on Tresiba vs Lantus? ›
Yes, weight gain is a common side effect of all insulins, including Tresiba and Lantus.
How much weight will I gain on Tresiba? ›
Insulin helps your liver, muscles, and fat cells remove excess sugar from your blood and store it for future use. Over time, this can lead to some weight gain. In clinical studies, people with type 1 diabetes gained an average of 4 pounds (lb), about 1.8 kilograms (kg), over 1 year of taking Tresiba.
How to avoid weight gain on insulin? ›
Avoid weight gain while taking insulin
- Count calories. Eating and drinking fewer calories helps you prevent weight gain. ...
- Don't skip meals. Don't try to cut calories by skipping meals. ...
- Be physically active. ...
- Ask your provider about other diabetes medicines. ...
- Take your insulin only as directed.
What causes rapid weight gain in diabetics? ›
Insulin-associated weight gain may result from a reduction of blood glucose to levels below the renal threshold without a compensatory reduction in calorie intake, a defensive or unconscious increase in calorie intake caused by the fear or experience of hypoglycaemia, or the 'unphysiological' pharmaco*kinetic and ...
How to get rid of insulin belly fat? ›
Exercise seems to work off belly fat in particular because it reduces circulating levels of insulin —which would otherwise signal the body to hang on to fat—and causes the liver to use up fatty acids, especially those nearby visceral fat deposits, he says.
What is the Tresiba lawsuit? ›
Sanofi has sued Novo over the Danish drugmaker's marketing materials for Tresiba, alleging that they falsely claimed Sanofi's competing products—blockbuster Lantus and follow-up Toujeo—won't be available to many U.S. patients down the line, Reuters reported.
People with kidney or liver problems may have a higher risk for hypoglycemia while using Tresiba. Before using this drug, let your doctor know if you have a history of kidney or liver problems. They can recommend ways to help prevent hypoglycemia. Hypokalemia.
What is a good alternative to Tresiba? ›
Tresiba doesn't work for everyone. Basaglar, Lantus, Levemir, Novolin, and Toujeo are some Tresiba alternatives. Get the full list here. With over 37 million Americans living with diabetes and 96 million categorized as pre-diabetic, improving glucose levels early and effectively can be a challenge.
Is 10 units of Tresiba a lot? ›
The recommended starting dose of TRESIBA in insulin naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is 10 units once daily.
Why am I gaining weight so fast on insulin? ›
When you start insulin therapy and begin getting your blood sugar under control, the glucose in your body is absorbed and stored. This causes weight gain if the amount you eat is more than you need for the day.
What type of insulin does not cause weight gain? ›
Background: Weight gain often occurs when insulin therapy is initiated. The long-acting insulin analog insulin detemir has been shown to be effective and well tolerated when used in basal-bolus regimens or as an add-on to oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) and causes less weight gain than other insulins.
Why switch from Lantus to Tresiba? ›
In a large safety study vs Lantus® in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, Tresiba® did not increase their risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death. Compared to Lantus®, Tresiba® also had a lower rate of severe low blood sugar, a possible serious side effect of insulin.
Is it better to take Tresiba in the morning or at night? ›
For adults with diabetes, Tresiba® should be taken once daily, any time of day. While taking your insulin at the same time every day is recommended, if you miss or delay your Tresiba® dose, simply take it as soon as you can, then return to your normal dosing schedule.
What precautions should be taken while taking Tresiba? ›
Do not reuse or share needles with other people because you may get a serious infection. Keep Tresiba out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
How many units of Tresiba are normal? ›
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
Age group | Recommended Tresiba dose | Dosing frequency |
---|
adults who aren't already using insulin | 10 units | once per day |
children ages 1 year and older who aren't already using insulin | Your child's doctor will calculate a starting dose based on your child's body weight and blood sugar levels. | |
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