Local MP leads new Commons diabetes campaign

Action demanded on animal insulin supply

7.2.05

A new campaign to help many diabetics has been launched by local MP, Edward Davey. He has tabled a Parliamentary motion expressing concern at the supply of animal insulin for the UK and the motion calls upon the Government to act to safeguard future supply for diabetics.

There are 1.8 million diagnosed diabetics in the UK, and a significant portion of them can only use animal insulin, finding the synthetic or ‘human’ alternative dangerously unsuitable. Recent reports from the Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust suggest that one of the two main suppliers in the UK, NovoNordisk, could cease production of animal-based insulin products, thus raising serious concerns over the supply of the product in the UK.

Edward Davey MP, who last month called on Kingston residents to take part in an online consultation on diabetes, said,

"I was alerted to the threat posed by one of my constituents. People who depend on animal insulin to control their diabetes are worried about this potentially disastrous situation.

"Although synthetic or ‘human’ insulin is an alternative, many diabetics find this reduces the warning symptoms of an impending hypoglycaemic attack, a problem which they simply don’t have on animal insulin. It is therefore vital the Government ensures a reliable supply of animal insulin.

"This motion has already gained cross-party support. It will make sure the Government knows about this issue and that people across my constituency and across the political parties are deeply concerned about the possible implications of NovoNordisk’s ultimate decision.

"The Government must deliver on this important issue. They need to consider what is best for diabetics all over Britain who are dependent on animal insulin for their quality of life."