Desensitization with human (recombinant DNA) insulin

A 34-year-old woman developed gestational diabetes and was treated with insulin (beef-pork and beef) and oral therapy at various periods. She developed an insulin allergy; however, attempts at desensitization with the commercially available purified pork insulin desensitization kit (Eli Lilly Co.) were not successful. Reactivity to human (recombinant DNA) insulin as well as elevated IgE levels and eosinophilia were also demonstrated. A second desensitization attempt with human (recombinant DNA) insulin using a protocol developed by the authors was successful. This report discusses a desensitization procedure using human insulin in an insulin-allergic patient.