Human insulin (recombinant DNA) in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Human insulin (recombinant DNA) was administered subcutaneously to 16 patients with newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), whereas a control group of 11 patients received highly purified pork insulin (PPI). The control group was only available for the inpatient period, while the HI-treated patients could be observed monthly afterward. For metabolic control, basal and post-prandial blood glucose, plasma C-peptide, and HbA1 were measured. During the outpatient period, blood glucose self-monitoring was also performed. Within 6 days of therapy, blood glucose levels were lowered to normal without any statistical differences between the HI and PPI groups. Mean insulin requirement was 35 U/day in both groups. Plasma C-peptide levels were not different at any time. In the human insulin group, HbA1 values were continuously lowered from the initial 13% to the normal range within 2-3 mo and remained normal after 6 mo of therapy. No allergic reaction and no other side effects could be seen. The results suggest that in the first period of treatment, the metabolic situation of patients with IDDM could be well controlled by human insulin as well as by PPI. Human insulin has been proven to be an effective and safe insulin.