We used to say this at diabetes camp years ago: “pigs are precious.” That was because our “purified pork” insulin came from pigs. A long time ago, beef (cow) insulin was the best we had, but many people had physical reactions to it. When pork insulin came out, it was hailed as being so close to human insulin that we would no longer have reactions to it. Some still did. The human body can’t always be tricked! As I’ve mentioned before, my personal theory is that animal insulin is the reason I get lipoatrophy today.
I found it interesting to read this article about a group in Minnesota that is studying pig cells – once again – to see if they can be transplanted into humans and take over insulin production. I’m just not sure where I stand on this. My thoughts go in many directions – pig cells…cure…pig cells…total cure? partial cure?…pig cells…
What are your thoughts on having pig cells transplanted into you?