An editorial and studies published in Diabetologia (June 2009), the EASD journal, studied 3,40,935 diabetics in Germany, Sweden, Scotland and Britain, and found that certain insulin analogues have a structure making them more likely to bind to the IGF-1 receptor, which is known to be involved in promoting tumour growth.

A statement from the manufacturer said: “Clinical studies, which represent the gold standard of evidence, do not indicate an association between insulin glargine and cancer.” “Given the extensive clinical evidence covering over 70,000 patients and the results of post-marketing surveillance arising from 24 million patient-years of experience, Sanofi-Aventus stands behind the safety of Lantus,” Jean-Pierre Lehner, the company’s managing director and chief medical officer said. “We consider that the results of these patient registries are not conclusive.”

Moreover, a statement from the American Diabetes Association says four different population-based studies were reported and published in Diabetelogia and the data within these studies and between these studies are conflicting and confusing.

Until more information is available, the American Diabetes Association advises patients using insulin not to stop taking it. We the diabetes team at JDC also go by the ADA, the oldest and biggest scientific forum for diabetes care and research and advises all our patients on Lantus not to stop it. If you still have serious concerns please e mail or call us for advises on alternative insulins