Long-Term Efficacy of Semi-Synthetic Human Insulins (SHI) in Newly-Diagnosed Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Patients. A Two Year Clinical Study

SummaryTwo groups of 10 newly-diagnosed IDDM were treated from the beginning of the disease with semi-synthetic human monocomponent insulins. The first group received Monotard HM, a zinc suspension, with Actrapid HM twice daily. The second group received a NPH preparation, Protaphane HM, with Actrapid HM in the same amount as the first group (2/3 in the morning, 1/3 before the evening meal). After an initial week of IV infusions with Actrapid HM, metabolic control was checked every 2 months during a period of two years at the outpatient clinic under a standard diabetic diet, prepared in the hospital.Total HbA, (%) dropped significantly during the first year (p < 0.001) and remained stable during the second year (7.3, SD 1.7 in the Monotard HM group, 8.1, SD 1.4 in the Protaphane HM group). Endogenous insulin secretion, measured by C-peptide assay was maintained during the study period but the post-breakfast rise decreased during the second year.In the Monotard HM group the postprandial blood glucose value...