According to Eli Lilly, since the introduction of human insulin and fast-acting insulin analogues, the demand for animal insulin has declined significantly over the past decade. This figure represents about 400 people using animal insulin out of the approximately 220,000 insulin dependant Canadians. As of today, the Canadian Diabetes Association has received numerous calls from people who have been successfully managing their diabetes with human insulin for years and who are now questioning their own personal safety and the safety of their loved ones. The Association strongly urges people who have questions to see their physician as soon as possible and to not make any decisions regarding a change in treatment options before having that discussion. CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd. This fact, while provided to Marketplace was not made clear to your viewers.
People do have a choice in regard to insulin treatment options.
Eli Lilly has recently stated that the company does not intend to discontinue pork insulin production. The introduction of human insulin in the 1980's was accompanied by claims that in some patients the symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia was altered on transfer to human insulin. Human insulin is available in a broader range of formulations, including mixtures, and with more advanced pen delivery formulations. Since the arrival of human insulin, the problem of allergies, lipoatrophy and immunologic resistance to insulin have, for all practical purposes, been eliminated. Experts recognize that for some people who have used animal insulin for some time, there is an adjustment period.