$Unique_ID{BRK01063}
$Pretitle{Endocrine Glands and Metabolism}
$Title{Would a Switch to Human Insulin be a Good Idea?}
$Subject{diabetes insulin}
$Volume{C-7}
$Log{
Figure 1*0009801.scf
Figure 2*0009802.scf
Figure 3*0009803.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Would a Switch to Human Insulin be a Good Idea?


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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?

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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've
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.
ÿ
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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.
