For individuals managing diabetes, especially with insulin therapy, weight management can be a complex challenge. Tresiba, a long-acting insulin also known as insulin degludec, has garnered attention for its unique properties. While Tresiba for weight loss isn’t a common use, some patients are curious if its stable blood sugar control could aid in managing weight. This article delves into Tresiba’s role in weight regulation, examining how it works and how it stacks up against other insulins for those concerned with weight management.
Understanding Tresiba and Its Function
Tresiba is a basal, or long-acting, insulin analog designed to maintain a stable, low level of insulin over 24 to 42 hours. It helps manage blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. Unlike rapid-acting insulins that work quickly and are often associated with mealtime blood sugar spikes, Tresiba releases gradually and maintains a baseline level of insulin, reducing the risk of significant blood glucose fluctuations.
The insulin molecule in Tresiba is modified slightly to form multi-hexamers, which break down slowly after injection. This unique design leads to a more consistent and prolonged insulin action compared to other long-acting insulins like Lantus (insulin glargine) or Levemir (insulin detemir).
Tresiba is available in two forms: the Tresiba FlexTouch, a disposable prefilled injection pen designed for convenience with multiple doses, and a vial for manual use with syringes. Those accustomed to vials or needing to administer fewer than 5 units of Tresiba daily may prefer the vial option.
Tresiba and Weight Management: What’s the Link?
Many people with diabetes who require insulin therapy face challenges with weight gain due to insulin’s effect on blood glucose and fat storage. Insulin helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells to be used for energy. Any excess glucose, however, is stored as fat. This storage mechanism can make weight loss difficult for people on insulin therapy, especially those managing Type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is common.
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Tresiba’s unique profile of action offers some hope for weight-neutral effects because of its slow, steady release. Some studies indicate that Tresiba may have a less pronounced effect on weight gain compared to other insulins, mainly due to the following aspects:
- Reduced Hypoglycemia Risk: Episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) often lead people to consume extra carbohydrates to raise their blood glucose levels, which can result in unintentional weight gain. Tresiba’s gradual release is linked with fewer hypoglycemic events, which can help individuals avoid consuming excess calories.
- Improved Glucose Stability: With a more consistent effect, Tresiba may support better overall blood glucose management, reducing the variability that can lead to sudden hunger and cravings. Stable blood glucose can help in adhering to balanced nutrition without frequent changes in appetite or energy levels.
- Less Frequent Dosing: The prolonged action of Tresiba allows for flexible dosing times, potentially once a day at any time, which may simplify diabetes management and help with meal planning and portion control. A more consistent insulin dosing schedule can make it easier for some people to manage their overall calorie intake.
Tips for Managing Weight on Tresiba
Since Tresiba for weight loss is not typically effective, here are some strategies that can help support weight management while on insulin therapy:
- Monitor Carbohydrate Intake: Monitoring carbohydrates can be beneficial for individuals on insulin therapy. Working with a registered dietitian can help determine the right carb intake to support energy needs without causing excess fat storage. Meals should consist of half non-starchy vegetables, one-quarter protein, and one-quarter starch. Don’t skip meals.
- Incorporate Physical Activity: Exercise is a key component in weight management and overall health for people with diabetes. Regular physical activity helps elevate insulin sensitivity, which can reduce the amount of insulin needed for blood glucose control.
- Manage Hypoglycemia: Minimizing hypoglycemic events can prevent the need for extra calories to raise blood sugar. Regular glucose monitoring and working closely with a healthcare provider to adjust Tresiba doses may help reduce hypoglycemia.
- Consider Medication Alternatives: For those struggling with weight gain, non-insulin medications that help regulate blood glucose without promoting weight gain may be an option. GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic or Victoza) are commonly used alongside insulin and may help with weight loss. Trulicity can be used with insulin, but because the combination of Trulicity and insulin increases the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), the dosage of insulin may need to be reduced.
- Stay Consistent with Dosing and Timing: Tresiba allows for flexibility in dosing, but keeping a consistent dosing schedule is crucial. Regular dosing can help maintain stable blood glucose levels, reducing fluctuations that might lead to overeating or cravings. Adults can take Tresiba at any time each day, but children should always stick to the same time.
Alternative Diabetes Medications for Weight Loss
For individuals focused on weight loss, certain diabetes medications have shown effectiveness beyond blood glucose management. While Tresiba offers a weight-neutral effect for many, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide (Saxenda) or semaglutide (Wegovy) have demonstrated weight loss benefits in addition to glucose control. These drugs help manage appetite and may delay gastric emptying, leading to a feeling of fullness and a reduction in caloric intake.
Additionally, SGLT-2 inhibitors like canagliflozin (Invokana) and empagliflozin (Jardiance) work by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine, which can also result in mild weight loss.
Who Might Benefit Most from Tresiba?
Tresiba could be a good option for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who need a stable, long-acting insulin with flexible dosing. It’s particularly suitable for individuals with erratic schedules or those who need fewer daily injections due to its extended action. Although Tresiba for weight loss isn’t an immediate remedy, its steady, long-acting action, and lower hypoglycemia risk make it a supportive option for those focused on weight management. By reducing the blood sugar fluctuations that can lead to excess calorie intake, Tresiba may help minimize some common weight-related challenges associated with insulin use.
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Tresiba and Weight Loss Potential
While Tresiba offers some advantages in terms of reducing hypoglycemia risk and allowing for flexible dosing, it is not a weight loss solution. People with diabetes using Tresiba may find it easier to manage their weight compared to other insulin therapies, but weight loss isn’t a direct outcome of this insulin type.
For those actively looking to lose weight while managing diabetes, incorporating a combination of diet, exercise, and perhaps non-insulin medications designed for weight loss may be more effective. Tresiba can be a beneficial part of a broader diabetes management strategy but is best paired with lifestyle adjustments and, where appropriate, weight-friendly medications for those looking to shed pounds.
Side Effects of Tresiba
Like most drugs, Tresiba may cause mild or serious side effects.
Mild side effects can include:
- Diarrhea
- Itching and rash at the injection area
- Headache
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)
- Upper respiratory infections, such as colds
- Weight gain
Serious side effects can include:
- Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
- Allergic reaction
- Severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar levels)
Weight gain is a common side effect of all insulins, including Tresiba. In clinical studies, people with type 1 diabetes gained an average of 4 pounds (about 1.8 kilograms) over 1 year of taking Tresiba. People with type 2 diabetes gained an average of 6.6 lb (3 kg) over 1 year. Weight loss wasn’t reported in clinical studies of Tresiba.
Tresiba does not cause side effects on the eyes. However, diabetes itself can lead to eye problems. You’re more likely to get eye problems if your blood sugar levels are not well-managed for a long period of time.
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Important Considerations When Taking Tresiba
- Never share insulin pens with others under any circumstances. It is not safe for one pen to be used for more than one person. Sharing needles or pens can result in transmission of hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other bloodborne illnesses.
- It is very important that your doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits, to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
- It is very important to follow carefully any instructions from your health care team about:
- Alcohol-Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar. Discuss this with your health care team.
- Other medicines-Do not take other medicines during the time you or your child is taking insulin degludec unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.
- Counseling-Other family members need to learn how to prevent side effects or help with side effects if they occur. Also, patients with diabetes may need special counseling about diabetes medicine dosing changes that might occur because of lifestyle changes, such as changes in exercise and diet. Furthermore, counseling on contraception and pregnancy may be needed because of the problems that can occur in patients with diabetes during pregnancy.
- Travel-Keep a recent prescription and your medical history with you. Be prepared for an emergency as you would normally. Make allowances for changing time zones and keep your meal times as close as possible to your usual meal times.
- In case of emergency-There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your diabetes. You need to be prepared for these emergencies. It is a good idea to:
- Wear a medical identification (ID) bracelet or neck chain at all times. Also, carry an ID card in your wallet or purse that says that you have diabetes and a list of all of your medicines.
- Keep an extra supply of insulin degludec and syringes with needles or injection devices on hand in case high blood sugar occurs.
- Keep some kind of quick-acting sugar handy to treat low blood sugar.
- Have a glucagon kit and a syringe and needle available in case severe low blood sugar occurs. Check and replace any expired kits regularly.
- Too much insulin degludec can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of low blood sugar include anxiety, behavior change similar to being drunk, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool, pale skin, difficulty with thinking, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, headache (continuing), nausea, nervousness, nightmares, restless sleep, shakiness, slurred speech, or unusual tiredness or weakness. If symptoms of low blood sugar occur, eat glucose tablets or gel, corn syrup, honey, or sugar cubes, or drink fruit juice, non-diet soft drink, or sugar dissolved in water to relieve the symptoms. Also, check your blood for low blood sugar. Glucagon is used in emergency situations when severe symptoms including seizures or unconsciousness occur.
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur if you do not take enough or skip a dose of your antidiabetic medicine or insulin, changes in insulin regimen, you overeat or do not follow your meal plan, have a fever or infection, or do not exercise as much as usual. Symptoms of high blood sugar include blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushed, dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, increased urination (frequency and amount), ketones in the urine, loss of appetite, stomachache, nausea, or vomiting, tiredness, trouble breathing (rapid and deep), unconsciousness, or unusual thirst. If symptoms of high blood sugar occur, check your blood sugar level and then call your doctor for instructions.
- This medicine can cause low blood sugar. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
- This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- This medicine may cause hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in your blood).
- Using this medicine together with other diabetes medicine (eg, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, Actos®, Actoplus Met®, Avandia®) may cause serious heart problems or edema (fluid retention). Check with your doctor immediately if you are rapidly gaining weight, having chest pain or discomfort, extreme tiredness or weakness, trouble breathing, uneven heartbeat, or excessive swelling of the hands, wrist, ankles, or feet.
- Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Conclusion
Tresiba for weight loss is not specifically designed for that purpose, but its steady insulin release and reduced risk of hypoglycemia can help individuals manage their weight more effectively. By stabilizing blood sugar levels, Tresiba may support weight management strategies for those using insulin therapy. While Tresiba offers some advantages in terms of reducing hypoglycemia risk and allowing for flexible dosing, it is not a weight loss solution. People with diabetes using Tresiba may find it easier to manage their weight compared to other insulin therapies, but weight loss isn’t a direct outcome of this insulin type. For those actively looking to lose weight while managing diabetes, incorporating a combination of diet, exercise, and perhaps non-insulin medications designed for weight loss may be more effective. Tresiba can be a beneficial part of a broader diabetes management strategy but is best paired with lifestyle adjustments and, where appropriate, weight-friendly medications for those looking to shed pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Tresiba help me lose weight?
Tresiba is not designed as a weight loss medication; its primary purpose is to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. While some users may experience a more stable appetite and reduced risk of hypoglycemia, leading to potentially less weight gain compared to other insulins, it is not a direct weight loss solution.
What are the side effects of using Tresiba?
Common side effects of Tresiba include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), injection site reactions, weight gain, and allergic reactions. As with any medication, it is important to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider and monitor your health while using Tresiba. There is also a small risk of Tresiba causing sodium and water retention, which causes edema and weight gain.