Managing double diabetes

Summary

• This can make it harder to control blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of other health problems.
• When blood sugar stays high for long periods it can increase the risk of several health problems.
• This combination can make blood sugar control more difficult and may increase the risk of long term complications.

AI Generated Summary

Some people with Type 1 diabetes may develop a condition in which their bodies cannot use insulin properly. This is commonly known as “double diabetes.” It is not an official medical diagnosis, but the term is often used when a person with Type 1 diabetes also develops insulin resistance.

This can make it harder to control blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of other health problems.

In Type 1 diabetes the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells do not respond properly to this hormone.

When blood sugar remains high for a long time it can damage the heart, eyes nerves and kidneys.

What are the early symptoms?

People with double diabetes may experience the following symptoms

Blood sugar levels that remain high

•Feeling tired or weak

•Feeling thirsty more often

•Urinating frequently

Difficulty keeping blood sugar under control

However these symptoms can also occur for other reasons. A doctor must carry out the necessary tests to identify the cause. Some symptoms may indicate a serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). These include vomiting stomach pain, fast or deep breathing confusion and unusual sleepiness.

Seek emergency medical care if these symptoms occur as diabetic ketoacidosis can be life threatening.

Who is at risk of insulin resistance?