how can u test if the person is more compatible with animal than human insulin?

Answer 1

There are insulin antibody tests that can determine the amount of antibodies produced against injected insulin. However, most doctors determine "compatibility" by how well the patient does keeping their blood sugars in a safe and healthy range using that particular type of insulin.

The test I metioned would actually usually show MORE antibodies against animal insulin, since it is not like human insulin, which uses human DNA.

Some people say they have more problems with low blood sugar when they use human insulin. This is usually because their doctor did not reduce their dose once they switched from animal to human insulin. You usually need less human insulin, since the body makes less antibodies against it than with the animal insulin . Antibodies bind to the animal insulin, making it inactive, so you will need a higher dose, among other reasons. Older animals insulins also made people stick to very rigid routines. The "freedom" allowed with the new insulins may throw people used to routine off, causing a loss of BG control.

However, everyone is different. Some people may really do better with the animal insulins for whatever reason. Perhaps different preservatives are used. Or they make LESS antibodies to it, unlike most.

Either way, people need to work with their doctor and find a routine that can be followed to keep them healthy. Some people find that the older insulin (animal) gives them poor control, others the opposite. Find what works, and stick with it.

The vast majority of the medical profession feel that human insulin gives better control and more freedom than animal insulin.