The only animal insulin that is available in Canada at this time is pork insulin. Eli Lilly has recently stated that the company does not intend to discontinue pork insulin production. Making the switch The Canadian Diabetes Association met with Eli Lilly and investigated options on behalf of people with diabetes. The majority of people transferring from animal to human insulin need minimal or no dosage adjustment. Experts recognize that for some people who have used animal insulin for some time, there is an adjustment period.
Some individuals report adverse reactions.
The Canadian Diabetes Association reinforces the importance of the transfer process being done under medical supervision. Should physicians require assistance in helping their patients through a transfer process, we have ensured that diabetes experts across Canada can be made available to offer assistance. With any change there exists a challenge. Our medical and scientific experts have extensively reviewed the literature regarding the transitions. Animal insulin is known to produce insulin antibodies that can slow the action of the insulin and cause problems such as insulin allergies.