Many people with diabetes use insulin to control their blood sugar. It is important to know why blood sugar levels may not go down, even when taking insulin. This situation can be frustrating and confusing. Let’s explore some common reasons why this happens.

Understanding Insulin

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. It helps your body use sugar from food. Insulin allows sugar to enter cells. When your body does not make enough insulin, blood sugar can rise. This can lead to many health problems.

Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels

If your blood sugar is high, there may be several reasons. Here are some of the most common factors:

• Incorrect Insulin Dosage: You may not be taking the right amount of insulin. If the dose is too low, blood sugar will not decrease.
• Insulin Resistance: This means your body’s cells do not respond well to insulin. Even with insulin, sugar stays in the blood.
• Improper Injection Technique: If you do not inject insulin correctly, it may not work. Using the wrong needle or injection site can cause problems.
• Expired Insulin: Insulin can lose its effectiveness when it is expired. Always check the expiration date.
• Diet: Eating too many carbohydrates can raise blood sugar. Sugary foods can also cause spikes in blood sugar.
• Physical Activity: Lack of exercise can lead to insulin resistance. Regular activity helps your body use insulin better.
• Stress: Stress can cause high blood sugar. The body releases hormones that raise blood sugar levels.
• Illness or Infection: When you are sick, your insulin needs may change. Illness can cause blood sugar to rise.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Certain hormones can affect how your body uses insulin. This can lead to high blood sugar.
• Dawn Phenomenon: Some people have high blood sugar in the morning. This happens naturally in the body.
• Somogyi Effect: This is when blood sugar drops overnight. The body then releases hormones to raise it again.
• Medications: Some medications can raise blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about any medications you take.

Steps to Take When Blood Sugar is High

If your blood sugar is not going down, here are some steps to consider:

1. Check Your Insulin Dose: Talk to your doctor about your insulin dose. You may need to adjust it.
2. Use Fast-Acting Insulin: Some people benefit from using fast-acting insulin before meals. This helps control blood sugar after eating.
3. Review Injection Technique: Ensure you are injecting insulin properly. Ask a healthcare provider for guidance if needed.
4. Monitor Your Diet: Pay attention to what you eat. Try to avoid excess sugar and carbs.
5. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Even small amounts of movement can help.
6. Manage Stress: Find ways to reduce stress. Techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help.
7. Consult Your Doctor: Always talk to your healthcare provider about high blood sugar. They can help you find solutions.

Understanding Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is when your cells do not respond well to insulin. This means they do not take in sugar from the blood. Here are some causes:

• Obesity: Being overweight can lead to insulin resistance.
• Lack of Exercise: Not being active can make it harder for your body to use insulin.
• Genetics: Some people are more likely to have insulin resistance due to their genes.
• Certain Medications: Some drugs can interfere with how your body processes insulin.

How to Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Improving insulin sensitivity can help lower blood sugar. Here are some tips:

1. Lose Weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can help.
2. Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods. Include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
4. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Good sleep helps control blood sugar.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

The Role of Diet

Your diet plays a big part in blood sugar levels. Here are some dietary tips:

• Choose Low Glycemic Foods: These foods raise blood sugar slowly. Examples include whole grains, legumes, and most vegetables.
• Limit Sugar Intake: Try to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.
• Control Portions: Eating large portions can cause high blood sugar. Be mindful of how much you eat.
• Plan Meals: Preparing meals ahead of time can help you make healthier choices.

When to Seek Help

If your blood sugar levels remain high, it is important to seek help. Here are some signs that you should consult a doctor:

• You feel very thirsty or hungry.
• You are frequently urinating.
• You feel tired or sluggish.
• You notice blurred vision.
• You have cuts or bruises that heal slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do I Do If My Blood Sugar Won’t Go Down With Insulin?

Consult your doctor if your blood sugar remains high despite insulin use. They may adjust your dosage or recommend a fast-acting insulin before meals. Check your injection technique and ensure you’re not consuming excessive carbohydrates. Stress, illness, or hormonal changes can also affect blood sugar levels.

Why Does My Blood Sugar Stay High Even With Insulin?

High blood sugar despite insulin can occur due to insulin resistance, incorrect dosage, or improper injection techniques. Factors like diet, stress, inactivity, and certain medications also contribute. Consult your healthcare provider to adjust your insulin regimen and address any underlying issues for better blood sugar control.

Why Is My Sugar Level Not Coming Down?

High blood sugar may persist due to insufficient insulin dosage, insulin resistance, poor injection technique, or dietary choices. Stress, inactivity, illness, and hormonal changes can also affect levels. Consult your doctor to adjust insulin or evaluate other underlying issues for effective management.

What Is It Called When Insulin Doesn’t Work?

Insulin not working effectively is known as insulin resistance. This condition occurs when the body’s cells fail to respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Factors like genetics, obesity, and inactivity can contribute to insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Managing blood sugar levels is important for your health. If your blood sugar is not going down with insulin, it can be due to several reasons. By understanding these reasons, you can take steps to improve your situation.

Always work with your healthcare provider. They can help you find the right approach. Remember, small changes can lead to big differences.

Stay informed and stay healthy.

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What do I do if my blood sugar won’t go down with insulin?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Consult your doctor if your blood sugar remains high despite insulin use. They may adjust your dosage or recommend a fast-acting insulin before meals. Check your injection technique and ensure you’re not consuming excessive carbohydrates. Stress, illness, or hormonal changes can also affect blood sugar levels.” } } , { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Why does my blood sugar stay high even with insulin?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “High blood sugar despite insulin can occur due to insulin resistance, incorrect dosage, or improper injection techniques. Factors like diet, stress, inactivity, and certain medications also contribute. Consult your healthcare provider to adjust your insulin regimen and address any underlying issues for better blood sugar control.” } } , { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Why is my sugar level not coming down?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “High blood sugar may persist due to insufficient insulin dosage, insulin resistance, poor injection technique, or dietary choices. Stress, inactivity, illness, and hormonal changes can also affect levels. Consult your doctor to adjust insulin or evaluate other underlying issues for effective management.” } } , { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is it called when insulin doesn’t work?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Insulin not working effectively is known as insulin resistance. This condition occurs when the body’s cells fail to respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Factors like genetics, obesity, and inactivity can contribute to insulin resistance.” } } ] }