? Hoping for some answers

Pepper's numbers are really not coming down, which I'm sure is expected with Novalin N. But now the Vet is talking about putting her on Prozinc. I'm so scared to switch her insulin. What are the chances of hypo with this insulin? What unit should Pepper start out with? Do I need to get new syringes? I'm currently using U100. Is Prozinc really expensive? I am at my whits end and it has been less than a month from finding out I have a sugar baby. The stress is ridiculous and I'm exhausted from not being able to sleep from worry.

 

Prozinc is a good insulin. It is long-lasting but is an 'in-an-out' insulin (so no 'depot' like Lantus). You can have a hypo episode with any insulin, but that is why you are home testing, to keep your baby safe. The normal starting dose is usually 1 unit every 12 hours. U40 syringes should be used with Prozinc. Price varies depending on where you get your Prozinc, but the best I have seen it is about $100 for a vial. If stored and handled properly, it can last for months.

 

We currently use Novalin N, so I'm not sure what "depot" is.

 

Hi Missy! and Welcome! I'm so sorry that all of this is causing you stress. It's difficult at the beginning when there is so much to learn, but it does get easier with time. And we are all here to help and walk with you through this journey. You are not alone!

Prozinc does have a bit of carry over in many cats, so it isn't as volatile as Novolin. There is actually slightly less chance of hypo as long as your kitty is on low carb food and you are monitoring carefully at home. Although it's always possible with any insulin. Prozinc still has a smile shaped curve, but not quite as steep on the drop and rise as Novolin. In some cats it wears off around +10 so it doesn't have as much carry over, in other cats it can last a bit longer which makes the curve a little more gentle. So for cats that do well with it, and are properly dosed, Prozinc is somewhere between Novolin and Lantus in its dosing and impact.

Starting dose is comparable to what you are on right now. So if you are at 1.5u, you would switch over at 1.5u but be sure to do it during a few cycles when you can get mid-cycle tests to be sure she's transitioning okay.

Cats respond to different insulin types in different ways. My cat has done great on Prozinc, but mediocre on Lantus and awful on Levemir. It just takes some trial and error to find the right insulin for your cat sometimes. If your vet is amenable to making changes, you might also consider Lantus. Many cats do really well on it, and the dosing "rules" are quite strict so there is a little less art/guess work than there is on Prozinc. For some people that helps to lower their anxiety about all of this. Personally I found it a bit too inflexible, but I have control issues If you do decide to try Prozinc, we are here to help!

 

Prozinc is expensive! I don't have a budget for that. Do you think I should do a unit increase instead?

 

I wouldn't do a full unit increase. If your U100 syringes have half unit marks, eyeball 1.75 u. At this low dose range, 0.25 u increases are safest.

 

So, try to increase by 0.25 instead of 0.50? I was going to do a curve this Saturday. Should I still do one or wait?

 

Yes, small dose increases of 0.25 u at this point. You could do a curve at the 1.75 u dose on Saturday. If you increase tonight or tomorrow AM that will be enough days on that dose to assess it.