$Unique_ID{BRK01063}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Would a Switch to Human Insulin be a Good Idea?}
$Subject{diabetes mellitus insulin hormone hormones medication medications
pancreas recombinant DNA anti-insulin antibody insulins dependent diabetic
diabetics}
$Volume{C-7,R-25}
$Log{
The Islets of Langerhans*0002905.scf
Diabetes Mellitus*0009802.scf
The Functions of Insulin*0009803.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Would a Switch to Human Insulin be a Good Idea?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I am a diabetic, currently using beef and pork insulin to control
my disease.  Would a switch to human insulin be a good idea?  Where does human
insulin come from and are there any advantages over animal insulin?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Human insulin has been available since 1982.  It can be extracted
from the human pancreas, but for the most part it is manufactured in the
laboratory using recombinant DNA technology.  Human insulin has been shown to
have significant advantages over beef and pork extracted insulins.  Patients
who have switched to human insulin have shown significant decreases in
anti-insulin antibody levels, making it easier to manage insulin allergies.
Many people are also able to absorb it better than animal insulins.  And
there's another advantage.  Right now, recombinant DNA insulin costs about 40%
of what purified pork insulin costs, but it's still more expensive than
mixtures containing beef and pork insulin.  One drawback of human insulin is
that it seems to have a shorter time span for activity.  Therefore, patients
being switched from animal insulins to human insulin must be monitored by
their doctors very carefully.  Many diabetic specialists agree--human insulin
should be considered for all newly diagnosed cases of insulin dependent
diabetes.  You own doctor should be consulted before any change is made, for
only he can really tell you whether the switch to human insulin is an
advisable one in your case.  Your history and the severity of your disease
will be important factors in the decision.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.