Weight gain with Lantus

By MTM Monday, January 28, 2008

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My parents are in their 80's, have had Type II diabetes for more than 10 years, and were put on Lantus 2 years ago. They also take Metformin and Actos. Both of them have gained 20 to 30 pounds in this two year period. To prevent hypoglycemic episodes in the morning (which still happen once or twice a month), they eat a huge "snack" before bedtime---something they never did before being on Lantus. I think that they are either on the wrong combination of drugs or perhaps Lantus isn't the right Insulin for them. Have any of you had a similar experience? Any ideas?

Comments (14) | Add comment

Vicki M

1/28/08 10:16pm

Hello MTM,

It can be a real bear being tasked with helping your parents through medical conditions. I know I have a time with my mother, not only diabetic but also having heart problems.

One thing I would question in your situation is the Actos. I was on Actos for 3 months and gained 30 lbs without being bad (not that I am always good! :)) It turned out that I was suffering the side effects of the Actos (rapid weight gain, pain in the knees and joints, edema in the legs) Ask your parents' doctor about this.

You can read about Actos here. There has been much written, some of it not so complimentary but Actos has been under scrutiny for some time. You will notice that edema and rapid weight gain are the first two adverse affects listed.

One other thing about Actos. It does not necessarily allow the usual symptoms from low blood sugar. Should be monitored closely.''

Also, Gretchen Becker talks about Lantus lows in this sharepost.

Good luck and stay in touch and let us know how you are your folks are doing!

Vicki M

Krystle Kopacz

1/30/08 10:15am

Thanks for joining our community!

Your lantus question is an important one, and because it's impossible to diagnose someone over the internet, we suggest you see your doctor about it! Check out some of the great resources above that Vicki mentioned to educate yourself before your doctor's visit.

Thanks again for writing, good luck, and keep us posted on the outcome!

Krystle, Producer, MyDiabetesCentral.com

Barbara

3/ 8/08 11:51pm

My mother has gained 30 lb since starting lantus nine months ago. She is not getting hypoglycemia and does not appear to eating more. Her hgba1c has increased .8 %. I just finally got the MD to try metformin to get blood glucose under better control and hopefully stop the weight gain

Ellen Houser

3/16/08 8:07am

Yes I am on my second bottle...I don't eat large snack but swelling ....it seems to make me sick at my stomach

Anonymous

5/ 1/08 8:10pm

I have had rapid weight gain. 30lbs in 3 months being on Lantus. The only thing in my diet that has changed is that I am eating healthier. I am very depressed due to this as I work hard to lose 50lbs two years ago and had kept it completely off until the Lantus. All the doctors tell you you must lose weight but then they have drugs like this that are supposed to help you live but they are actually killing you because they cause you to gain weight which is more unhealthy for you in the long run. It is so frustrating.

Janet

7/12/08 7:13pm

I am mortified, I have gained 14 lbs in 7 months on lantus. I recently talked with my doctor who looked at me and shrugged her shoulders and said "I don't know what to tell you" and then indicated it could be my diet.
My diet has been low carb for years and my husband thinks I am "too strict" when I asked her why this was not working, it was like I was being unreasonable. Yet when I talked to my primary care doctor she suggested Juaneva (not right spelling) on top of the insulin and dyabride. Also suggested the doctor might try something that looked like a betta instead of insulin. My diabetic doctor showed no interest in this.

I know there is something better somewhere and there has to be a doctor that will help, I will find a way, I am not used to a weight problem and mean to find something to help. Any suggestions?????????????

cash b

8/27/08 10:39pm

Whew! I thought it was just me!! Lantus has made me gain over 30lbs. I am very careful about when I eat and what I eat. I also get cardiovascular workouts six days a week and I can seem to shed a pound.

Anonymous

1/25/09 9:13pm

I cant believe the comments about Lantus and Actos...I too have gained weight and feel enormously frustrated that despite diet and exercise, I can not shed a pound...feels like a merry go round...lose weight to get healthy..take meds to balance your BS as best you can....cant seem to have both...embarrassed to say I have even contemplated lap band surgery to get on top of the weight loss equals better health, less progression of the disease...would you do it if you could????Lisa

jodi1968

3/25/09 2:23pm

Hello,

I too have gained 30 pounds in the 2 years I have been on Lantus. Weight was in healthy range and stable for MANY years until switching to Lantus. My doctor won't admit that Lantus can make you gain weight but I think I may print out this page for her so I can switch back to Humulin N for my night shot since Lantus is not even helping my morning sugars anyway.

debra

3/22/10 11:46pm

I know just you mean. I've been a diabetic for 13 years. I also take metformin and actos. I also gain about 30 to 40lbs. I use to go to the gym 3 times a week for 1 hr a day. No more what for . It did me no good.

debra

3/22/10 11:53pm

I to take Lantus also metformin and actos. Lantus for about a year metformin and actos for 13years. I also gain 30 to 40lbs. And IBS .

Sara

1/ 2/11 11:09pm

I'm having the same problem gaining weight and wondering if it could be due to Lantus ? I've been Type 1 since 1994 and always at a healthy and consistent weight even after having two babies! But in the last year to year and a half I have gained 25+ pounds and am overweight for the first time in my life. It feels awful and training and running my first half-marathon two months ago, and watching what I eat, hasn't changed a thing. It's crazy, and I, too, and going to ask my doctor to switch me back to NPH which I took previously before weight gain started to become a factor. I'm wondering if switching off the Lantus helped you? And if so, what did you switch to ?

Karen

4/ 3/09 12:51am

I started taking Metformin twice a day since Jan. of this year, and my stomach is about to popp.

I have gained weight also. Plus I have been so tired and worn out and never was before.

I go back in April, I stopped taking this stuff. Its not for me, plus my daughters are both RN's and they said my reading wasnt even high.

Some Doctors wilol give you anything.

juanita zaring

3/21/11 11:25am

im not sure about lantus but actos is a weight gainer i was on it for i month and gained 15 lbs i went off it and it took me a little while for the weight to go away the dr put me on the levermir flex pen 13 units at night. but just now switched me to lantus.

Weight gain with Lantus

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