I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just over five years ago, and up until three months ago, my control was very good with an hemoglobin A1c of 5.9%. Three months ago, my average blood sugars and A1c rose so my doctor increased my insulin. Unfortunately, at the same time, my health plan signed a deal to switch brands, and after a week of good blood sugars, I started my new brand.

For two weeks after that (until now), my blood sugars fluctuated, and I also began experiencing mild burning all over my body, insomnia, shortness of breath, and light-headedness that was making it difficult to focus at work. My doctor has two other patients on the same health plan that had been switched and were having the same reaction. Is this a common reaction?

I am not familiar with this kind of reaction from a specific trade name insulin. Both brands usually have similar action profiles and are highly refined insulins. Without a lot of contaminants, they should not pose a risk for allergic reactions. I would have your physician talk with the manufacturer’s representative to see if this has happened before. My experience with switching brands is that there is very little difference in the performance of the insulins.

JTL

[Editor’s comment: The manufacturing process of the two brands differ, and sometimes people have a reaction to one of the preservatives, etc. If your previous brand was working without problems, I’d stick with it. In addition, please report your adverse reaction to the manufacturer. It’s important for them to track this kind of event.

SS]