Novolin N/Humulin N vs Levemir and Lantus: Which is more effective?

[Cat Ma]

My cat was just diagnosed with diabetes. The vet is putting her on Novolin N but I've read this is a short acting insulin. It seems the majority of cats are on Levemir and Lantus. If so, why?

Is Novolin N hard on a cat's health? If so, how? My cat is on steroids and has other health issues so I want to give her what will be easiest and most effective in terms of the insulin.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

N/NPH typically only lasts 8-10 hours and and the curve of BG verses tine is steeper than Levemir/Lantus.
Lantus/Levemir are preferred for mast cats over N/NPH.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hi,

Other recommended insulins are Prozinc and PZI. These and the Lantus and Levemir that Larry mentioned are longer lasting insulins.
Cats metabolize insulin quite fast, so the shorter acting insulins often don't last a full 12 hours in a cat's system. They can also drop the blood glucose quite quickly in the first few hours of the insulin cycle (ie, first few hours following the shot). However, some cats have managed OK on these insulins: 'Every Cat Is Different'. But if you have a choice then you may want to go with something longer lasting than the Novalin.

My cat is on steroids and has other health issues

Is your cat on a short course of steroids or is it a long term thing?
And what other health issues does she have?

Eliz