Pharmacokinetics of Human Insulin Zinc Suspension (Recombinant DNA) in Normal Man: A Comparison with Porcine Insulin Zinc Suspension

A single dose crossover study in 10 fasting, non‐diabetic men compared the 24‐hour profiles of blood glucose, plasma insulin, and C‐peptide following a single subcutaneous injection of either human insulin zinc suspension crystalline (recombinant DNA), or highly purified porcine insulin zinc suspension (mixed), in a standard dose of 0.2 U/kg. Both insulins produced moderate hypoglycaemia within 3 hours which persisted for 24 hours after administration. The rate of fall of blood glucose was similar from 0–3 hours but was significantly lower after the porcine insulin at 4 and 7 hours (p < 0.05). Mean plasma insulin values were higher after porcine insulin between 2 and 6 hours (p < 0.05) and a biphasic pattern was observed following injection of both insulins. Plasma C‐peptide declined after each insulin was administered, and was significantly lower between 2 and 7 hours after porcine insulin. The duration of the hypoglycaemic action of human crystalline insulin (recombinant DNA), assessed by blood glucose measurements and C‐peptide suppression, was equivalent to porcine insulin zinc suspension (mixed) (Monotard® MC, Novo) over 24 hours. 1984 Diabetes UK