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Living with Insulin-resistance syndrome type B

A rare condition in which antibodies block the insulin receptor, causing extreme insulin resistance.

Understanding Insulin-resistance syndrome type B

Insulin-resistance syndrome type B is a rare genetic disease with extreme insulin resistance due to autoantibodies against the insulin receptor.

It belongs to the group of extreme insulin-resistance syndromes. It can start at a variety of ages.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Body doesn't respond well to insulin (insulin resistance)
  • Abnormal glucose tolerance
  • Darkened, thickened skin (acanthosis nigricans)
  • Autoimmunity
  • Changes in body weight
  • Abnormal leptin levels

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and hormone specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which tests confirm antibodies against the insulin receptor?
How are my blood sugar levels managed?
Which other autoimmune conditions should I be checked for?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually starta variety of ages

Autoantibodies, which are antibodies against the body's own tissue, block the insulin receptor. GARD doesn't list a gene.

GeneticEndocrine

Also known as: insulin resistance - type b

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Insulin-resistance syndrome type BGARD ID 3009 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Insulin-resistance syndrome type B.

Explore the Insulin-resistance syndrome type B blog

Explore research for Insulin-resistance syndrome type B

Explore actively recruiting Insulin-resistance syndrome type B studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Insulin-resistance syndrome type B 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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