Responses to human and porcine insulin in healthy subjects

In a double-blind randomised study, eight healthy men received equimolar amounts of human or porcine insulin by infusion (50 mU/kg per hour). Insulin potencies, in terms of the amount of glucose infused to maintain euglycaemia, were almost identical. Hypoglycaemia (blood glucose concentration 2 mmol/l or below) was then induced and the symptoms and hormonal counter-regulatory responses were recorded. The number of sympathoadrenergic (but not neuroglycopenic) symptoms was significantly greater with porcine than with human insulin, as was the integrated noradrenaline response. Glucagon, growth hormone, cortisol, and adrenaline responses were similar for the two insulins.