Cat reactions after starting insulin?

[troyedwards]

Hello,
My cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, and we initially tried Senvelgo, but it didn't help in regulating her condition. I've recently started her on 1 IU of Vetsulin twice a day. After each dose, she seems very lethargic and dazed for a few hours, although her motor skills appear fine. I ordered a glucose monitor today. My vet mentioned they haven't seen any adverse reactions to such a small dose of insulin, and we're scheduled to see him on Friday. He advised me to take her to the hospital if her symptoms worsen or last longer than a few hours.

Have any of you experienced similar reactions in your cats when they began insulin treatment? I'm quite worried about the possibility of hypoglycemia, even with just 1 IU twice a day.

Would appreciate all the feedback! I am very stressed and worried.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@troyedwards
Can you go back to your title and put NEW MEMBER in front of what you wrote. Tap on the word Thread Tools to the right then tap on Edit Title and add what I said then tap save

Vetsulin hits hard and fast
It's actually used for dogs
Here is a little bit of information from the Vetsulin Sticky

• Because this insulin can drop BG quickly, it is important to feed your cat 20 - 30 minutes before giving insulin. This ensures there is food on board for when the insulin starts to work. So, the sequence would be: (1) Test BG. (2) Feed. (3) Wait 20 - 30 mins. (4) Give the insulin shot. (If you are not yet home testing it is still advisable to feed and then wait before giving the shot).
• Some caregivers feed a snack (or part of the main meal) an hour and a half to two hours after the shot. This strategy can slow down the rate at which the BG is dropping.

Also here is the sticky about Vetsulin
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-caninsulin-vetsulin.231587/

To be honest most of us use Lantus or Prozinc insulin. I prefer Lantus or the generic of Lantus.
I'll tag a few members for you

mean time here is a link so you can set up what we call our signature which is information we need about your cat and for you to set up our spreadsheet where we enter our cats BG numbers
The link will also tell you how to set up our spreadsheet and how to use it

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-how-you-can-help-us-help-you.216696/

Also you can tap on your name up top then tap on the word signature and add the information from the link I gave you

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hello,
My cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, and we initially tried Senvelgo, but it didn't help in regulating her condition. I've recently started her on 1 IU of Vetsulin twice a day. After each dose, she seems very lethargic and dazed for a few hours, although her motor skills appear fine. I ordered a glucose monitor today. My vet mentioned they haven't seen any adverse reactions to such a small dose of insulin, and we're scheduled to see him on Friday. He advised me to take her to the hospital if her symptoms worsen or last longer than a few hours.

Have any of you experienced similar reactions in your cats when they began insulin treatment? I'm quite worried about the possibility of hypoglycemia, even with just 1 IU twice a day.

Would appreciate all the feedback! I am very stressed and worried.

@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Bandit's Mom
@Suzanne & Darcy
@Wendy&Neko

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

The American Animal Hospital Assn no longer recommends Vetsulin for the treatment of feline diabetes. As Diane noted, it can rapidly drop blood glucose levels and it does not have 12-hour duration. A cat's metabolism is too fast for Vetsulin to truly be a good diabetes medication. Prozinc and glargine (Lantus or a biosimilar) are the two insulins that are recommended. The dazed and lethargic behavior could easily be a result of a drop in blood glucose numbers so getting started with home testing is a good thing. You may also want to discuss insulin choice with your vet.