Tips for Easing Transfers to Human Insulin

-Patients transferring from animal to human insulin usually begin with the same dosing regimen and an equivalent number of units.

- Some patients who take human insulin may require a change in dosage from that used with animal-source insulins. If an adjustment is needed, it may occur with the first dose or during the first several weeks or months.

- Patients receiving more than 100 U of Iletin (animal source) insulin per day should begin human insulin with a 20% lower dose.

-Patients should frequently monitor their blood glucose levels, and insulin adjustments should be made based on blood glucose measurement.

- The adjustment period may last up to six weeks.

- Potential adverse effects associated with the use of all insulins include hypoglycemia, weight gain, hypokalemia, lipidystropy, and hypersensitivity.

- Any change in insulin therapy should always be done under a physician’s supervision.

Source: Eli Lilly and Co, Indianapolis.