Anyone experience lethargy as side effect (not hypo)?

From day one on insulin, Mishka has not been acting like himself. Actually pre-insulin with high BG, he was a purring happy boy (except multiple trips to litter box and camping out at the water bowl). After the very first dose of Prozinc (1U), there was a noticeable difference in his behavior. 1-1/2 months out (and dosing at .5U), he is sleeping all day, no purrs, doesn't enjoy his regular combs, and all in all just very lethargic. Sometimes I've had to wake him to eat. On the days I decided not to dose, it is like a light switch goes off. He immediately reverts back to his old behavior, purring, friendly, and more active (well, as active as a 17 year old can be). I tried talking to the vet about this and his response was that this (sleeping/lethargy) was Mishka's new "norm." I've tested during these times and never got a BG lower than 86, so I'm fairly confident it's not related to hypo. Also, I've noticed that within 10-15 minutes of his shot, he's asleep again. Is this a side effect of the insulin? Thanks for any observations!

 

It can be. My cat was usually quite lethargic in the hours after a ProZinc dose and he'd perk up as it was wearing off. He's on Levemir now and I don't see this effect. He still has slower moving days when his BG bounces higher but no obvious lethargy after a dose. Not all insulins agree with every cat. At some point you might want to try a different insulin.

He's a gorgeous kitty!

 

Thanks Kris....I just hate to see my normally perky boy acting like a zombie all day. And yes my boy is gorgeous and knows it. I didn't dose tonight (BG 137) and so enjoyed watching him groom endlessly. I think my vet thinks I'm crazy, so may have to make sure Mishka is regulated and then think of switching insulin. I was just so glad to receive confirmation that I was not crazy!

 

As Kris mentioned, it can be that this isn't the right insulin for him. My kitty went from Prozinc to Lantus (didn't agree with him) to Levemir (even worse!) and is now back on Prozinc.

It can also be caused by variations in blood glucose levels, bouncing, or changes in dose. Do you happen to have a spreadsheet that we could look at to see if we can notice anything else that might be causing it, or any suggestions we might be able to make on dosing that might help?

 

Oh gosh! I just noticed that you just joined on Sunday!

Here is a link to the spreadsheet we all use: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/

It's already all formatted, so you just have to follow the directions to make it your own, and then input the numbers. The colors all happen automatically. Let us know if you run into any trouble getting it setup and someone can help! You don't need to input all of your data, just the past week or two will be enough to get started.

 

Thank you! I've tested sporadically because me and Mishka are not always consistent with getting a drop of blood. I plan on setting up the spreadsheet this weekend. It's a little daunting. The lethargy started with the very first dose of Prozinc. I could not believe the change in Mishka! He went from being an alert and loving senior kitty to a total zombie kitty! Thanks for your advice!

 

Don't let the SS scare you. If you run into trouble with it, just holler and we've got some folks who can help you get it set up. And once it's up, all you have to do is enter numbers...it color codes for you and there's no math involved (luckily for me!!!). It's possible that Mishka will feel better once he's been on Prozinc for a bit...I surely hope so. But if not, you can definitely look into other insulins to see if that helps him feel better...it's all about whatever is best for Mishka!

 

I didn't notice how sleepy Chuck was on ProZinc. When I switched to Lantus I noticed the difference. When he's in healthy numbers I can REALLY tell the difference in his sleeping habits.