Living with Insulin autoimmune syndrome
A rare condition in which the body makes antibodies against insulin, causing low blood sugar.
Understanding Insulin autoimmune syndrome
The body makes antibodies, proteins that attack insulin. Insulin normally keeps blood sugar at a normal level. When antibodies attack insulin, blood sugar can drop too low. It most often begins in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Antibodies against insulin (autoimmunity)
- Insulin resistance
- Darkened, thickened skin (acanthosis nigricans)
- Joint pain or inflammation
- Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include hormone specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The body makes antibodies that attack insulin. GARD doesn't list a gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: hirata disease
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationInsulin autoimmune syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Insulin autoimmune syndrome.
Explore research for Insulin autoimmune syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Insulin autoimmune syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Insulin autoimmune syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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