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[Insulin allergy (author's transl)]
Severe allergies to insulin are uncommon. In most cases, allergy is merely a mild and transient reaction at the site of injection. Immediate reactions (generalized or localized) originate in an overproduction of specific IgE anti-insulin antibodies. Local delayed reactions are mainly due to substances other than insulin (adventitious contaminants, foreign proteins, zinc) and fit Gell and Coombs' description of type IV allergic reactions. Diathesis and the history of previous discontinued insulin therapy are important to consider. Management differs according to the severity of allergic reactions. Methods range from simple observation to desensitization. Monocomponent pork insulin is useful in a number of cases. Human synthetic insulin may possibly be responsible for allergies similar to those which occur with monocomponent insulin.
Severe allergies to insulin are uncommon. In most cases, allergy is merely a mild and transient reaction at the site of injection. Immediate reactions (generalized or localized) originate in an overproduction of specific IgE anti-insulin antibodies. Local delayed reactions are mainly due to substances other than insulin (adventitious contaminants, foreign proteins, zinc) and fit Gell and Coombs' description of type IV allergic reactions. Diathesis and the history of previous discontinued insulin therapy are important to consider. Management differs according to the severity of allergic reactions. Methods range from simple observation to desensitization. Monocomponent pork insulin is useful in a number of cases. Human synthetic insulin may possibly be responsible for allergies similar to those which occur with monocomponent insulin.