Human insulin dodges allergy issues

Dear Dr. Gott: My husband has diabetes and takes insulin daily. As a result, he suffers from severe itching and a burning on his body. Atarax and Periactin have provided minimal relief. Do you have other suggestions?

Dear Reader: Diabetes can lead to itchy skin conditions that are usually relieved by the drugs you mention, as well as cold compresses and moisturizing lotions. Should these methods be ineffective, your husband should be examined by a dermatologist.

I am particularly concerned when I see diabetics with itchy rashes because standard insulin injections are derived from animal sources, and diabetics can often experience allergic reactions to this type of medication. The use of genetically engineered human insulin, such as Humulin, solves the problem of insulin-allergy. Your husband should ask his doctor about this.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Living with Diabetes Mellitus.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I’m a 64-year-old male diagnosed about 10 years ago with emphysema that seems to be progressing as the years pass. Inhalers and pulmonary specialists don’t seem to help much. What, then, is left for better control of my condition?

Dear Reader: Emphysema is a chronic lung disease, often the consequence of smoking, that is marked by destruction of the feathery air sacs in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. As the disease progresses, less and less oxygen is absorbed into the body. This results in progressive respiratory disability: first, breathlessness during exercise, and later, breathlessness at rest.

In attempting to slow the development of serious emphysema, physicians usually try to treat any underlying disorders that may contribute to respiratory disability. For example, smokers must cease and desist. Asthma, if it is present, is treated with bronchodilating sprays and pills. Low-grade infection, such as chronic bronchitis, is treated with antibiotics.

Unfortunately, one of the characteristics of emphysema is its relentless progression with age. If, at this point, you are following your physician’s instructions, you may simply have to do the best you can to compensate for your respiratory disability: Reduce your strenuous activity, avoid air pollution (especially smog and “secondhand” smoke), undergo pulmonary therapy (to help you learn how to breathe more effectively), and use supplemental oxygen under your doctor’s supervision.