Comparison of the biologic activity of biosynthetic human insulin and natural pork insulin in juvenile-onset diabetic subjects assessed by the glucose controlled insulin infusion system.

To assess the biologic activity of biosynthetic human insulin (BHI) synthesized by Escherichia coli, six insulin-dependent juvenile-onset diabetic subjects were studied with BHI and natural pork insulin, by means of the glucose controlled insulin infusion system (GCIIS). First, after an overnight normalization of blood glucose levels, the 24-h insulin requirement was determined while the patients were consuming a diet of 30 kcal/kg. Then, the amount of glucose necessary to maintain normal blood glucose levels during a 5-h intravenous infusion of BHI and pork insulin, respectively, was assessed. Both studies demonstrate that in the insulin-dependent diabetic subject, BHI is at least as effective as natural pork insulin and may, therefore, be useful for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.