Bariatric Surgery Insulin Resistance T1D

[Ruby Diabetic]

Hi everyone, I've been a ghost reader here occasionally but decided to sign up as I have a question to ask my fellow T1s who have undergone bariatric surgery.
I have insulin resistance and am in a chemical menopause which means that I am unable to lose weight. Unfortunately I put on weight over the covid lock down periods. My blood sugars are so high and I have been struggling with them. My diabetes consultant says I am insulin resistant and bariatric surgery would be a great option for.me. He says I am not big enough (you need to be deemed morbidly obese) to get it done on NHS and if I am lucky enough to be able to do it privately, to go for it.
I have spoken to a bariatric surgeon who is happy to operate on me (providing I can get my Hba1c down a little bit - the irony) and have booked for 4th June. I wanted to see if anyone has had this done and has reversed their insulin resistance? Also any tips or tricks post the surgery? Thank you.

 

[Antje77]

Hi @Ruby Diabetic , welcome to the forum.

My blood sugars are so high and I have been struggling with them.

I don't have an answer to your question because I know next to nothing about bariatric surgery.
But I am wondering about your BG and insulin resistance.

Are you adjusting your doses if you're high all the time? Done some basal testing to see if your basal dose is more or less correct?
I suppose I have insulin resistance, being fat and needing more insulin than most, but I can adjust for that with my insulin and choosing lower carb foods because all the high carb foods simply kick in quicker than my insulin, even wihen prebolusing.

Even if you'll go the path of bariatric surgery, perhaps it's possible for you to do some more adjustments to your doses to get your blood glucose down?

Do you use a CGM/Libre to help finding patterns to your BG?

 

[Ruby Diabetic]

Hi @Ruby Diabetic , welcome to the forum.

I don't have an answer to your question because I know next to nothing about bariatric surgery.
But I am wondering about your BG and insulin resistance.

Are you adjusting your doses if you're high all the time? Done some basal testing to see if your basal dose is more or less correct?
I suppose I have insulin resistance, being fat and needing more insulin than most, but I can adjust for that with my insulin and choosing lower carb foods because all the high carb foods simply kick in quicker than my insulin, even wihen prebolusing.

Even if you'll go the path of bariatric surgery, perhaps it's possible for you to do some more adjustments to your doses to get your blood glucose down?

Do you use a CGM/Libre to help finding patterns to your BG?

Hi Antje, Yes. I have been adjusting most of the time. I have even spoken to the DSN about it. I put my Levemir up by another 4u on Saturday and may even up it again in a few days. I have a Libre and that is showing my current HbA1c at 9.7. I am eating low carb foods too.

 

[Juicyj]

Hello @Ruby Diabetic Sorry no advice in regards to surgery, however in regards to weight loss and improving insulin resistance, do you exercise at all ? I started out on walks and progressed to other stuff but by getting moving I have improved my insulin response and helped to keep the weight stable.

 

[Ruby Diabetic]

Hello @Ruby Diabetic Sorry no advice in regards to surgery, however in regards to weight loss and improving insulin resistance, do you exercise at all ? I started out on walks and progressed to other stuff but by getting moving I have improved my insulin response and helped to keep the weight stable.

Hi Juicy. Yes, I have a PT and go to gym. I sometimes go hypo during training so take jelly babies with me.

 

[Juicyj]

Hi Juicy. Yes, I have a PT and go to gym. I sometimes go hypo during training so take jelly babies with me.

Gym work is a great way to keep fit and improve insulin sensitivity, yes I have the same too, frequently go low despite numerous tactics, it's a real pain, hopefully someone with some surgery experience will respond too.