Hypoglycaemia survey in insulin‐dependent diabetic population at time of change from beef to human insulin

A retrospective survey of 367 insulin‐dependent diabetics (IDDMs) showed that the risk of a diabetic experiencing hypoglycaemic coma in any one year during the previous five years was 7%. Of 123 who experienced one or more hypoglycaemic comas in the previous five years, only 35 (28%) experienced warning symptoms and only 97 (79%) were carrying glucose‐containing tablets or sweets at the time. A total of 279 (76%) regularly carried glucose at the time of the interview but only 92 (25%) were aware of glucagon and only 31 (8%) had it readily available. One‐hundred‐and‐twenty IDDMs were converted from beef to human insulins (Eli Lilly & Co Ltd, Basingstoke) with no resultant change in daily insulin requirements nor in glycaemic control as assessed by HbAl measurements. Further assessment of hypoglycaemia was done after a mean of 6.8 months on human insulin. Fifteen (12%) felt reactive symptoms occurred more frequently compared with 70 (58%) who felt they were less common, and 12 (10%) felt they experienced less ‘adrenergic’ warning symptoms. Ten (8%) were treated for hypoglycaemic coma between the time of change from beef to human insulin and follow‐up. Forty‐one (34%) diabetics who changed to human insulins were more satisfied with the new preparation, 72 (60%) felt no difference and seven (6%) were less satisfied.