A 54-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic notes that her insulin requirements have gone up dramatically in the past year (from 50 U to nearly 200 U of recombinant human insulin) and her blood glucose is still poorly controlled. A possible explanation for the worsening of her diabetes includes which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The development of a high titer of anti-insulin antibodies can lead to increased insulin requirements and poor glucose control, as these antibodies can neutralize the insulin, making it less effective.  The patient clearly has an increase in her state of insulin resistance. Given the magnitude of her increased insulin requirements, she most likely developed a high titer of anti-insulin antibodies that are preventing the injected insulin from lowering blood glucose effectively.

A 54-Year-Old Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Notes That Her Insulin Requirements Have