YOUR article, 'Toddler, 2, saves sick mum's life' (October 11) fascinated me.

Kieran's actions were, indeed, amazing when he rescued his mum with diabetes from a near coma caused by her low blood-sugar level. He is a very brave and perceptive little boy.

Our organisation has noticed that cases such as this are reported much more frequently now.

We wonder if this is a sign that people with diabetes are slipping into a coma more often, possibly as a result of present trends in treatment?

Genetically-engineered 'human' insulin is now used for diabetes-suffers. However, in some people 'human' insulin has the disadvantage of causing loss or reduced warning signs of an impending low blood sugar level or 'a hypo'.

These signs normally warn people to eat some sugary food to raise their blood sugar levels to prevent the 'hypo'.

Many people have found that changing to the natural insulin derived from the pancreases of pigs and cattle results in a return of their warning symptoms so reducing the risks of coma considerably.

Natural insulins are less aggressive in their action so many people find that their blood glucose levels are less erratic and do not suddenly drop too low.

My daughter suffered in the same way as Kieran's mother. But after transferring to natural insulin a few years ago her warning signs have returned and she has not slipped into a coma since.

Perhaps this information would be useful, not only to Kieran's mother, but to other Press readers with similar problems. Natural insulin is easily available on the NHS. More information can be obtained from the address below, or by ringing 01604 622837.

Jenny Hirst,

Co-Chairman IDDT,

PO Box 294,

Northampton, NN1 4XS.

Updated: 10:33 Tuesday, October 30, 2001