If insulin is used, which insulin type is recommended to minimize weight gain?

• A. Basal insulin
• B. Rapid-acting insulin
• C. Mixed insulin
• D. Inhaled insulin

Answer: (A)

Starting insulin therapy with a form that provides steady background insulin helps control fasting glucose without adding large insulin spikes around meals. Basal insulin delivers a long-acting, continuous dose, reducing the need for extra insulin at mealtimes. Since weight gain from insulin is tied to the total insulin exposure, especially around meals, using basal insulin minimizes this exposure and the resulting fat storage. In contrast, rapid-acting or mixed regimens require more insulin with meals, increasing total daily insulin and the potential for weight gain. Inhaled insulin functions as a rapid-acting option at meals, so it similarly adds meal-time insulin and can contribute to weight gain.