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New Insulin More Like Body's Own Product | |
By DR. ANDREW J. DREXLER A new kind of insulin produced by recombinant DNA technology is offering another option for many patients with diabetes. Lispro insulin (brand-name Humalog) is a variation on the molecular structure of other commercially available insulins, a variation that makes it act much more like the insulin made in the body. Foremost, the molecular configuration allows the body to absorb the drug faster than other insulin products. It was given Food and Drug Administration approval in June. Like all other insulins, lispro must be taken by injection. It differs from them because it starts to work in a matter of a few minutes, rather than the 30 minutes required by other insulins. Its activity peaks in a little more than an hour, compared to the two to four hours of conventional insulin products. The faster action has been achieved by altering the sequence of amino acids in the insulin protein molecule. The swift activity means that diabetics do not have to wait 30 minutes after an injection before eating, as is required with other insulins. It also allows diabetics to eat a more varied diet, with more simple sugars. Perhaps the most important benefit of the new insulin is that it reduces the risk of hypoglycemia, excessively low blood sugar levels that can be dangerous. Diabetics taking standard insulins generally eat frequent snacks to avoid hypoglycemia. That is not necessary with lispro. The drawback is that anyone taking lispro must eat immediately after an injection to avoid hypoglycemia. Because patients must be advised carefully on its use, lispro is now available only by prescription, unlike older insulin products. Since lispro's action is so brief, a longer-acting insulin must be taken (such as lente or ultralente) to ensure adequate insulin levels throughout the day. Like other insulins, lispro is intended primarily for the 1.5 million insulin-dependent diabetics in the country, those whose bodies do not make insulin. In addition, some of the 15 million diabetics who are not initially dependent on insulin injections and can use oral drugs may need to switch to insulin as they grow older, if the oral compounds lose their effectiveness. Diabetics should consult their physician for advice on whether the new product is appropriate for them. --- Dr. Andrew J. Drexler is Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York University School of Medicine. Copyright 1996 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | |