1) Yes. I have since my teens as a Type 1. Every time my insulin was increased, I seemed to gain weight. From what I understand, some diabetics don't produce a certain peptide made by the pancreas that helps slow digestion and give you a full, satisfied feeling. It can make weight loss difficult when your body is saying it's hungry when it doesn't need more food. Diabetics also have to deal with adjustments in food, exercise, meds, stress levels, and routine. It all can affect blood sugar, the needed amount of medication, and how we feel. Because of this, making changes can be complex. If we have a lot of low blood sugars, we tend to take in more calories to counter it- and lows can make you feel like you are starving. For some of us, it also makes us feel like our energy has been drained for several hours afterwards. If we have high blood sugar, that can also take our energy, and exercising with high blood sugar can actually make it worse sometimes. I also think there needs to be more information available about how diabetes can affect metabolism and the whole process of digestion, fat, sugar, energy production, etc. and how diabetes is affected by weight. Trying to lose weight is hard enough for the average person. It can be much more complicated for a diabetic.
2) I had to get permission to use Victoza from my insurance company in order for it to be covered because I am a Type 1. After using Victoza for a while, my blood sugars were more stable, I didn't have as high spikes after meals, I needed less insulin, and I also lost about 30 pounds. The weight slowly came back on as the appetite supressing did not continue to be as strong after a while, but it is still helpful and I haven't gained above where I started. The cost of Victoza, even with insurance, can be an issue though.