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Insulin resistance during illness

U

upyourownart

Member
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7
Location
Eastbourne, UK
Does anyone know WHY insulin dependent diabetics seem to become resistant to their usual amounts of insulin at times of illness? My daughter (12) has been diagnosed type 1 diabetic since March this year and has so far had one cold like virus. While she had this, her insulin requirements increased by about a third but decreased again once her cold finally passed. I have spoken to others and also from what I have read, have found that this is quite 'normal' for diabetics.
I would like to know the reason behind this and if there has been any research? Is it because the body's immune system - being naturally heightened during illness - also 'attacks' the insulin because it is after all, articial insulin and 'foreign' to the body?
 
Don't know if this is right but my nurse told me that it was a bodies defence to keep your body going as during illness when you are not able to eat so your liver provides the glucose you need to keep your body going.
 
I think that the infection causes your body to produce more cortisol, that is what causes the rise in bs-levels.
 
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