STICKY: Prerequisites ~ if you are considering Levemir®

Levemir® (Insulin Detemir) Prerequisite

Insulin Detemir (trademark name Levemir) is the newest prescription human insulin in use for cats. It was first approved in Europe 2003, and human use began in 2004. Insulin Detemir has been used in cats since 2005.

A prescription from your vet is required in the US and Europe, although it is available without a prescription in Canada. (U.S. orders to Canadian pharmacies requires a prescription.) Your vet may request more information before prescribing Levemir, which is not yet approved for use in felines. However, clinical information and case studies are available.

Referring your vet to the following links or printing the information to present to your vet will add validity to your request to try Levemir:

• Considering Switching Your Cat's Insulin? Highlight the third paragraph of this paper for your vet. This is especially important for members whose vet has prescribed the lente types of insulin, Vetsulin (Caninsulin), or NPH (Humulin, Insulatard)
• Levemir/Lantus Dosing Protocol for cats being home monitored. This paper explains the method of dosing based on home monitoring using a glucometer.
• Tilly Protocol. When presented with the paper listed directly above, this article should help you work with your vet to determine correct doses and manage Levemir insulin therapy.
• Novo Nordisk Inc. This is the manufacturers website, wth information on Levemir including a FAQ.
• Pet Diabetes Wikipedia, LEVEMIR. This article includes both basic and technical information on Levemir and how it works. A number of case studies also are included.

Some of the benefits:

• Long-acting slowly absorbed, gentle insulin PubMed
• More predictable glucose lowering effect than insulin NPH and glargine Internet Journal of Endocrinology - See Chart
• Fewer hypoglycaemic events than NPH Diabetes in Control, see 3rd paragraph below charts
• Levemir is pH neutral, the same as blood (7.4) end of 3rd paragraph of Levemir's Official FDA Information at Drugs.com and MedicineNet.com's blood Ph definition.
• Available in both vial and cartridge form (for use with a syringe) for increased economy Levemir website
• While the initial outlay may be somewhat higher, the actual cost of Levemir is significantly lower because it is a sturdy, long-lasting insulin that is not as delicate as some others. Diabetes in Control