Insulin Allergy IgE Blood Test

Order an insulin allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to insulin. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample.

Insulin, a hormone, helps to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Insulin plays a significant role since diabetic patients can not produce or use their own insulin effectively. These patients sometimes use insulin injections to manage the condition. Some individuals can find that the insulin molecule itself or preservatives or amino acids added to the insulin cause an adverse reaction. Insulin allergy cases are uncommon, but diabetes treatment can be more complicated for individuals who have them.

Bovine (beef) and porcine (pork) insulin preparations were widespread before the 1980s and often caused allergic reactions. Fortunately, following the development of scientifically engineered human insulin preparations in the 1980s, adverse reactions to insulin have greatly diminished. However, allergic reactions still occur even with the genetically engineered human insulins available today and can be very problematic.

An allergy to insulin triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to hours after the injection. Common symptoms of an insulin allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Irritation or swelling near the injection area
• Rash throughout the body
• Hives
• Low blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction