Understanding Why Insulin May Not Lower Blood Sugar

Several factors can prevent insulin from effectively lowering high blood sugar:

• Insulin Resistance: Cells become less responsive; normal insulin doses can’t transport glucose effectively.
• Inadequate Insulin Dose: Dose too low to overcome resistance or hyperglycemia.
• Poor Insulin Absorption: Scar tissue, incorrect injection technique, improper storage reduce absorption.
• Hepatic Insulin Clearance: Liver disease or high growth hormone levels increase insulin removal, shortening its action.
• Other Hormonal Influences: Adrenaline and cortisol (from stress, exercise, illness) raise blood sugar, counteracting insulin.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation reduces insulin production, necessitating exogenous insulin.
• Administration Errors: Expired insulin, temperature exposure, mixing errors reduce potency.

If high blood sugar persists despite insulin, consult a healthcare professional to adjust the regimen.