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What Causes High Blood Sugar Despite Taking Insulin?

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Posted on Thu, 20 Nov 2014
Question: I have diabetes for many years. For a week now my glucose levels have been high 200-300 some odd even when checking every 4 hours after insulin they don't come down that much. I have pain that comes and goes and is worse now waking me up from sleep, burning like there is a hole in my stomache between the breasts I am an old nurse so have some background inhealkth but this just won't go away.
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Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible gastritis or GERD

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.

I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Sorry about your present condition.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. You are possibly having gastritis/ peptic ulcer disease. Symptoms improving with food is usually gastritis. Stress due to gastritis and other causes along with abnormal sleep pattern has led to increased cortisol levels. This increased cortisol levels (Corticosteroids causes hyperglycemia) is affecting your glucose control.

2. Along with it, rising insulin resistance means you have to take more insulin. Aging, decreasing skeletal mass and obesity both will increase insulin resistance.

3. Any recent infection can also be stressful and can increase insulin requirement.

Do not increase insulin excessively, as you know, it can cause hypoglycemia.
Try to control through diet.
You need to take antacids along with proton pump inhibitors to reduce gastritis. If reflux problem is also present, a domperidone can be used along with it. The proton pump inhibitors along with domperidone should be helpful in reducing the pain. Continue atleast for 4-5 days to feel the response. In the meantime, antacids should be helpful.
As i do not have the complete list of medications or other medical history, look into any recently started medications or infections, which as caused stress. Increase insulin dose step by step after consulting your doctor. Watch your diet closely.

Watch out for symptoms of increased sweating or dizziness as it can be a sign of hypoglycemia.
Avoid stress, relax. Sleep well. Avoid abnormal sleeping patterns.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help you again.

Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes High Blood Sugar Despite Taking Insulin?

Brief Answer: Possible gastritis or GERD Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Sorry about your present condition. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. You are possibly having gastritis/ peptic ulcer disease. Symptoms improving with food is usually gastritis. Stress due to gastritis and other causes along with abnormal sleep pattern has led to increased cortisol levels. This increased cortisol levels (Corticosteroids causes hyperglycemia) is affecting your glucose control. 2. Along with it, rising insulin resistance means you have to take more insulin. Aging, decreasing skeletal mass and obesity both will increase insulin resistance. 3. Any recent infection can also be stressful and can increase insulin requirement. Do not increase insulin excessively, as you know, it can cause hypoglycemia. Try to control through diet. You need to take antacids along with proton pump inhibitors to reduce gastritis. If reflux problem is also present, a domperidone can be used along with it. The proton pump inhibitors along with domperidone should be helpful in reducing the pain. Continue atleast for 4-5 days to feel the response. In the meantime, antacids should be helpful. As i do not have the complete list of medications or other medical history, look into any recently started medications or infections, which as caused stress. Increase insulin dose step by step after consulting your doctor. Watch your diet closely. Watch out for symptoms of increased sweating or dizziness as it can be a sign of hypoglycemia. Avoid stress, relax. Sleep well. Avoid abnormal sleeping patterns. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help you again. Dr. Prakash HM