MIXTARD 30 for my DKA sugar kitty

Has anyone tried Mixtard 30 insulin on DKA sugar kitty ? prozinc and vetsulin are not available in our country. Only Lantus and Levemir are and I’ve heard they need time to build up in a cats system. I’m giving her SID 2 units. At 10+ AMPS his BG is 455.
His BG is not getting lower than 400. I'm frustrated! also, scared to switch to an all wet food diet because of hypo.

 

I can't help you with the Mixtard 30 much because it's not used much here but I do know it can be appropriate in cats dealing with DKA. Is Tiggo currently in DKA?

All insulin's need to be given every 12 hours and there are some that may need to be given every 8 hours to get good control.

I do know about Lantus and Levemir though and you're right that it takes several days to build up, but some cats react quicker than that too. It's one of those ECID things (Every Cat Is Different).

It's also possible to use them both together very effectively, but again, I have no experience so I really can't help.

I think @Wendy&Neko may have some experience using a fast acting insulin (like Mixtard) with a basal insulin like Lantus/Levemir.

It's late here in the US where most of our members are, but there are people from all over the world so hopefully you'll get some better advice soon.

It will also help us to help you if you can give us a few more details. This page on "How you can help us to help you" can give you some guidance. Filling out your "Signature" with additional information will help!

 

It is good that you now have a spreadsheet. The rapid drop with short duration as shown in your spread sheet is to be expected with the Mixtard 30. From the data increasing the dose may result in BG going too low. It looks like dose every 8 hours would be better. Can you get just Regular insulin where you are? If so than then dosing with Regular insulin and either Lantus or Levemir. I have used that combination to quickly get the high BG down and then trying to maintain a relatively low till the next shot with the Lantus/Levemir.
I recall that you are periodically measuring ketone in the urine. If you are doing so than I would add the results to your spreadsheet

 

Can I give an SID Shot two hours early?
Or should I just skip it? He’s not regulated yet.
Please know that I’m only asking because I won’t be with him at the time of his insulin shot and it’s a long car ride for him. His BG will rise.
It’s a mix of fast acting insulin and NPH

 

Yes, as long as he's high enough...Over 300 is more than high enough

 

I replied in your topic that is specifically for 2 hour early shot.

 

i didn't understand ? sorry

 

ok got it

 

i will make sure of it before giving him his shot.

 

i work 8-6 it's not possible to give him 8+ later .
If the ketones are managed can i change to Lantus or Levemir?

 

Sorry, I have no experience or knowledge of Mixtard. I second Larry’s question on the availability of Regular insulin, often called Humulin R or Novolin R. Human diabetics often use it around meal times, it is a faster acting insulin. I have used it in conjunction with Levemir.

Your spreadsheet only has data for the AM cycle. Is he getting a shot at night too?

How often and how are you testing for ketones? There are urinary as well as blood ketone meters available. Just want to make sure we have the same understanding of ketones being managed.

 

I will have to ask about these insulin types. So you dont suggest i ask the vet to switch him to Lantus or levemir?
No he takes a single shot in the AM.
i bought ketone strips but i did not get lucky with catching urine drops from the litter box. Last time he got tested was 1.5weeks ago. Ketone blood meters are not available around me. i have asked and took a look online too. I cant order from amazon or chewy as i am not from US/UK :/

 

Lantus, Levemir or Prozinc are all better insulins for cats, so yes, ask to switch. The issue is timing. Lantus and Levemir are depot insulins, meaning it takes some days before you see full effect of a dose. During that time, ketones may be a risk if they aren't being controlled.

Ask at a human pharmacy about Regular insulin. They may also be able to provide you a lead on a blood ketone meter you can purchase in your country. Humans use them too. Here are some tips on catching and testing urine samples.