For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin is essential for survival. But for GJ, who was diagnosed at nine years old, the medication she depends on is a source of serious complications. Insulin injections and insulin pump insertion sites have caused deep dents in her skin, painful welts, and inflammatory reactions, while insulin delivered through her pump often fail to absorb properly, leading to unstable glucose levels and repeated episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

In the latest episode of Diabetes Advocates, GJ shares what it is like when the medication needed to survive also triggers a potentially dangerous immune response. She discusses the long road to diagnosis, the realities of living with insulin hypersensitivity, and why she hopes that sharing her experience will help other people with diabetes who feel overlooked or unheard. Her story is also featured in her essay, Dear Diabetes, F**k You.

For years, doctors struggled to explain what was happening. GJ tried different insulin formulations and underwent extensive testing, but her symptoms continued. Some healthcare providers questioned whether insulin itself was responsible, leaving her feeling dismissed while her condition remained difficult to manage. Eventually, a team of specialists helped identify an immune-complex hypersensitivity reaction to insulin, a rare complication that can make treatment especially challenging.

Despite extensive medical investigations and attempts at treatment, GJ is still searching for a sustainable solution. She has explored experimental therapies and alternative approaches, including implantable insulin delivery and cell-replacement research. In the meantime, dietary and lifestyle adjustments have helped her reduce her insulin requirements and bring some stability to her diabetes management, but the underlying reactions remain a challenge.

Watch the full conversation above to hear GJ's story and learn more about the challenges of living with insulin hypersensitivity. The episode is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Youtube.

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