§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths have been reported of young diabetics who have switched from animal to human insulin; and 189W what study the Committee on Safety of Medicines has made of the effects of treatment by synthetic human insulin for diabetics.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) has received three reports of deaths of young diabetics who have switched from animal to human insulin. Such reports do not establish a relationship between cause of death and change of insulin type. The CSM considered a range of studies in relation to human insulin before product licences were granted and since this time has monitored published studies worldwide. Currently the CSM is working closely with the British Diabetic Association and the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys in the United Kingdom and epidemiological centres in the USA to monitor the possible effects of changing from animal to human insulin and of improving diabetic control in patients under treatment with all types of insulin.
The CSM has advised all diabetics not to make any change in the type of insulin they use, or the dose they take, without consulting their doctor.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if there is an adequate supply of animal insulin for the treatment of diabetics.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThere are four suppliers of animal insulin for the treatment of diabetes in the United Kingdom. Each has given an assurance that there are adequate supplies available.