vegans and insulin dependent diabetes

[Snowmonster]

Just need a bit of advice really, was asked a question by DS1 about veganism and insulin which I couldn't answer. Can a vegan have insulin as it's made from animals?

I don't know if there are alternatives. I have looked on the diabetes uk site and its more about whether the vegan diet is ok for those with diabetes. Anybody have a definitive answer? Thanks!

insulin is now made using bacteria.

childrenwithdiabetes.com/question/how-is-artificial-insulin-made/

But more generally, vegans follow the vegan lifestyle as far as practically possible. That means accepting essential medical treatment.

www.vegansociety.com/resources/nutrition-and-health/medications

This might be helpful for your son to read.

From The Vegan Society website:

"Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.

Currently all medicine in the UK must be tested on animals before it is deemed safe for human use, but please note: The Vegan Society DOES NOT recommend you avoid medication prescribed to you by your doctor - a dead vegan is no good to anyone! What you can do is ask your GP or pharmacist to provide you, if possible, with medication that does not contain animal products such as gelatine or lactose. For more information visit the website www.medicines.org.uk, which contains information on medicines prescribed in the UK, including ingredients lists."

I am vegan and aware that some of the medicines I take have been tested on animals or contain lactose. It's just a necessary part of life; it's not ideal but you can't compromise your health. Therefore a diabetic vegan would have to take insulin regardless.

Hope that helps?

I would hope that health is put above a dietary choice! Insulin is essential, there's various options though including those which are not animal derived - animal derived insulin is being phased out in many countries.

Thank you for your replies PurpleDaisies, he is doing some homework for ethics over the holidays and this will help.

I would hope that health is put above a dietary choice!

Being vegan is more than just a dietary choice. You’re thinking of the trendy plant based diet. Being a vegan tries to remove the ill treatment of animals from every aspect of life, apart from where there is no alternative like in the scenario the op has posted.

@lifeisgoodagain Veganism is not just a dietary choice.