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Permalink Reply by Rayzer on March 6, 2012 at 9:07am

I have been a type 1 for about 40 years, when I go see my CDE's they say I am insulin resistant as well, I started on a pump 2 months ago and use around 60-70 units of rapid a day, I am about 30lbs heavier then I should be, have lost about 10 lbs since starting the pump. I am interested in this discussion as well, what can we do to decrease insulin resistance. I am not sure if this is a lot of insulin or not, I realize it depends on exercise and carb intake, this should be a good discussion!!

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Permalink Reply by Jen on March 6, 2012 at 10:27am

I've had Type 1 for just over 20 years. Over the past six months I've had to start taking a lot more insulin. Like you, about double what I was taking before. I've tried switching back to Humalog (I use Apidra) but it has no impact, so I think it's insulin resistance.

I am, however, overweight (although my weight hasn't changed in years), and so I'm hoping my insulin needs will decrease as I lose weight. My weight has been holding steady, I haven't found taking more insulin caused me to gain weight.

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Permalink Reply by Holger Schmeken on March 6, 2012 at 11:33am

The drug Metformin can be used for Type 1 diabetics too. It improves the sensitivity to insulin and will moderate the glucagon production of the liver down. If I remember it correctly you can ask Marps about this combination.

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Permalink Reply by JohnG on March 6, 2012 at 12:07pm

My TDD was 30u for about 15 years and then it increased to around 50u over a couple of years but it has been very stable for the last 5 years.  Insulin pumpers.org says the average TDD for a T1D pump user is around 42u.

We just need to use however many units it takes...it's not a sin...;-)...

As I get older it has become easy for me to gain weight, but as long as I get some exercise and only eat junk food half  dozen times a year my weight stays stable.

Weight loss and activity are about the only two ways to lower resistance. My TDD will drop during the summer because I'm always more active....

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Permalink Reply by T1Forever on March 7, 2012 at 8:39am

I hit 50 years in 2011 and have encountered insulin resistence. I am on a pump and use less than 20 u perday--basal and bolus.

One of the things I have noticed lately is I have more trouble finding a good spot for my pump catheder. As I have used my stomach for all this time with shots, and pump, it is getting harder and harder to find fresh real estate!

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Permalink Reply by Mocha on March 8, 2012 at 1:32pm

As someone mentioned, you can try Metformin, Symlin, or other medications to help with insulin resistance.

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Permalink Reply by Cherise on March 9, 2012 at 11:57am

Symlin helps with insulin resistance? I did not know that. Though if you have any type of gastro problems they won't let you take it. I knew Metformin works for it. The only time though I have had insulin resistance was the last part of my pregnancy. Getting ready to go through it again.

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Permalink Reply by Mocha on March 9, 2012 at 12:16pm

That's what my doc told me, that it would help with my insulin resistance, but he might have been thinking of Metformin. Wouldn't be the first time a doc got something confused.

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