Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) means you are already managing how your body uses insulin to control your blood sugar levels. But did you know that even with type 1 diabetes, you can develop something called insulin resistance? This problem is usually found in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It can, however, happen to people living with T1D. Here, we are going to break down what insulin resistance is, how to recognize it, and what it means for your treatment.
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What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas. It helps move glucose (sugar) from your blood into your cells so your body can use it for energy. When you have insulin resistance, your cells don’t respond well to insulin. This means glucose can’t enter your cells as easily, so it stays in your blood. Your body tries to fix this by making more insulin. Over time, needing more insulin to do the same job can be a problem.
For someone with type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance can make managing your blood sugar levels more challenging. It means you might need more insulin to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. This can put extra stress on your body and increase the risk of complications like heart disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing insulin resistance can help you manage your diabetes better. Here are some signs to watch for.
- High Blood Sugar Levels: Despite taking insulin, your blood sugar levels might remain high. This is because your cells aren’t responding to insulin properly.
- Mood Changes: Research has shown a link between insulin resistance and an increased risk of major depressive disorder. If you have felt changes to your mood, that could be a reason why.
- Fatigue: Resistance affects how well your cells absorb sugar to use for energy. Because it makes it harder for your body to use sugar, your energy levels will drop. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms.
- Weight Gain: When your body has an excess amount of insulin, it can start to store more fat than normal. This tends to happen around the waist area.
- Frequent Urination and Increased Thirst: These are also classic symptoms of high blood sugar levels. Your body tries to get rid of the extra glucose through urine. This frequent urination in turn makes you thirsty.
- Darkened Skin Patches: Look for dark, velvety patches of skin, often around your neck, armpits, or groin. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans and can be a sign of insulin resistance.
Causes of Insulin Resistance
There is no one cause of developing an insulin resistance. What you need to keep an eye on are certain risk factors that increase your chances of developing it. Excess body weight is a common risk that should be addressed early. Smoking and certain medications, like steroids, can also contribute. Hormonal changes can affect how your body reacts to insulin. Going through puberty or a pregnancy are natural processes that you should keep an eye on if you have T1D, as an insulin resistance could develop. A family history of type 2 diabetes is another potential risk factor.
Management Tips
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take if you do have an insulin resistance. Work closely with your doctor before making any changes. Losing weight if overweight or obese can help tremendously. Dropping between 7-10% of your body weight can make a big difference. A healthy diet can go hand in hand with this. Focus on vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing the amount of carbohydrates you eat can help you control your blood sugar levels.
Staying active is always a good idea, but that is particularly true for people with a resistance to insulin. Exercise helps your cells use insulin more effectively. If you smoke, try to quit. If you are on a medication that may have caused your insulin resistance, be sure to talk to your doctor about alternatives. Do not stop taking the medication before consulting them.
Managing type 1 diabetes is already a full-time job. Adding insulin resistance to the mix can make it even harder! With the right steps, you can still keep your blood sugar levels in check and stay healthy. Stay proactive, work closely with your healthcare team, and take care of yourself.
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