Why Is Insulin Not Working to Lower Blood Sugar?

Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly common disease which, fortunately, is not normally more than an extreme inconvenience. With one type, insulin injections can effectively control blood glucose levels, but the other type cannot be treated with extra insulin.

Insulin

Insulin is a peptide produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. It has several regulatory functions, such as its ability to stimulate protein and glycogen production, but one of its main functions is to stimulate body cells to take up glucose from the blood to use as an energy source.

Type 2 Diabetes

Someone who has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus has developed a condition known as insulin resistance, which leads to a high concentration of blood glucose.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin injections are only effective when the body doesn't produce enough on its own. When resistance is involved, body cells do not recognize insulin signaling anymore. According to the National Institutes of Health, certain genes, as well as obesity and lack of exercise, can increase the likelihood of developing resistance.

Complications

Extra blood glucose is filtered by the kidneys, but the sugar molecules increase the amount of water in the urine, which can lead to dehydration. Also, since the body cannot use glucose for energy, fats are heavily utilized, which can lead to a serious complication called ketoacidosis, a drop in blood pH which can be fatal.

Coping With Insulin Resistance

If you have Type 2 diabetes, you must strictly control your diet and constantly monitor blood glucose levels. You must also know how to check urine for the presence of ketones if you suddenly become ill, because a high level points to ketoacidosis.