Glycaemic control in diabetic patients transferred from therapy with animal insulins to human crystalline zinc insulin of recombinant DNA origin: a multicentre study

Abstract

87 stable insulin-dependent diabetic patients from 6 diabetic clinics within the UK were transferred from their existing once or twice daily regimen of subcutaneous animal insulin to a similar regimen of human insulin of recombinant DNA origin in neutral soluble and crystalline zinc suspension formulations. Seven point blood glucose profiles, glycosylated haemoglobin concentrations and insulin dose were examined, in each patient, before and after 6 weeks therapy with human insulins. The 67 patients on twice daily insulin showed no significant change in mean blood glucose values or glycosylated haemoglobin but required a significantly higher dose of human crystalline zinc suspension than their previous long-acting animal insulin. In contrast the 17 patients on a once daily regimen experienced a significant deterioration in glycaemic control without a significant change in insulin dose or glycosylated haemoglobin. Three patients on twice daily insulin withdrew shortly after transfer to human insulin. The combination of human soluble and crystalline zinc suspension appears to be a more satisfactory substitute for animal insulin when used in a multi-dose regime rather than on a once daily basis.