there is a definite relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (ra) and type 1 diabetes. both of these diseases are considered autoimmune disorders where the body’s immune system attacks itself. in the case of ra the synovial lining of the joints and in type 1 diabetes the beta cells of the pancreas are attacked. people who have the gene ptpn22 are susceptible to both of these diseases. both of these diseases result in elevations of inflammation markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha. drugs such as enbrel humira and remicade are fda approved for the treatment of ra and fight against tumor necrosis factor. although these drugs are not approved for the treatment of diabetes they do have an effect on insulin sensitivity and the beta cells of the pancreas which produce insulin. therefore it is not surprising that a flare in ra can affect blood glucose levels. so not only is inflammation common to both diseases but the drugs used to treat ra flares such as the anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha medications or the use of steroids such as prednisone can affect blood glucose levels. you should discuss with your doctor any changes you have made in treating the two diseases. be sure you keep both your rheumatologist and endocrinologist informed so they can work together to keep your ra and diabetes under control.
a type 1 diabetic is having a ra flareup. is there a linkage at the celluar level causing blood sugars in the 30s? . the person is on an insulin pump is very well controlled as far as activity and normal diet quantity and times. however without explanation recent blood sugars in the morning are bottoming out in the 30's. currently the person is experiencing a rheumatoid arithritis flareup and conincidently (or not) the above noted blood sugars. can the cells associated with ra in any way interact with insulin to render it ineffective?