A case of human insulin allergy induced by short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin but not by long-acting insulin

Int J Dermatol. 2004 Aug;43(8):597-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02141.x.

Abstract

A 66-year-old woman suffering from pollinosis developed generalized urticaria after injection of intermediate-acting insulin for diabetes mellitus. She had human insulin-specific IgE, and in skin tests was positive for human recombinant insulin and negative for additives. Uniquely, she reacted to fast-acting and slow-acting insulin but not to long-acting insulin. We further confirmed that human insulin preparations could stimulate her peripheral basophils to release a significant amount of histamine. Genetically generated human insulin analogs, aspart and lispro, induced positive skin tests and histamine release from basophils. She was recommended to use a long-acting insulin preparation and was free from symptoms thereafter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Drug Eruptions / immunology
  • Female
  • Histamine Release / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Insulin / adverse effects*
  • Insulin / immunology
  • Insulin, Long-Acting / therapeutic use
  • Intradermal Tests
  • Urticaria / chemically induced
  • Urticaria / immunology

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Insulin, Long-Acting
  • Immunoglobulin E