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Why Won't Insulin Lower Blood Sugar?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness characterized by the pancreas producing insufficient levels of insulin or no insulin at all. Although approximately 8 percent of the population suffers from some form of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association estimates that only 5 to 10 percent of individuals with diabetes have type 1.

  1. Function

    • The pancreas secretes a hormone called "insulin" in response to blood sugar derived from food. The insulin bonds with the blood sugar, which allows it to convert to energy to fuel the body and feed the brain. Individuals with type 1 diabetes must monitor their carbohydrate intake closely and inject insulin in proper doses because their pancreas is unable to fulfill that need.

    Blood Sugar Levels

    • Normal blood sugar levels are between 70 and 120 mg/dL (milligrams of sugar to deciliters of blood). Blood sugar levels above 120 mg/dL result in a condition called "hyperglycemia."

    Insulin

    • Hyperglycemia is treated with insulin therapy. However, if hyperglycemia is present despite injections of insulin, it is possible that the insulin is expired, has gone bad because of exposure to heat above 80 degrees F, or may not have been injected properly, or the insulin pump could have a defective delivery system.

    Food

    • Elevated blood sugar levels are normal after eating a meal, particularly a meal loaded with carbohydrates. Drinking alcohol and eating sugary substances will also raise blood sugar levels much higher than normal. If the dose of insulin was insufficient for the amount of carbohydrates consumed, the insulin will not effectively lower the blood sugar level.

    Insulin Resistance

    • Some individuals with diabetes, usually those suffering from type 2 diabetes, develop a condition known as insulin resistance where the body is unable to properly utilize insulin. The insulin cannot bond with the blood glucose to allow it to fuel the body as it passes through the system. Because the body cannot process the insulin, higher than normal levels of both insulin and blood glucose are present in the bloodstream.

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