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Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
We have had several people come here who've tried the pills.....mostly because they didn't work after awhile
The big problem with using glipizide is that the way it works is to force the pancreas to try to produce more insulin but the key to regulation (and possible remission!!) is to let the pancreas rest.
The cat has the unique ability for it's pancreas to heal and resume working again....by starting insulin as soon as possible after diagnosis, you enhance the chances that the healing can happen!
Giving insulin is very easy....a lot easier than getting most cats to take a pill!! The needles are very tiny and most cats don't even notice!!
The big problem with using glipizide is that the way it works is to force the pancreas to try to produce more insulin but the key to regulation (and possible remission!!) is to let the pancreas rest.
The cat has the unique ability for it's pancreas to heal and resume working again....by starting insulin as soon as possible after diagnosis, you enhance the chances that the healing can happen!
Giving insulin is very easy....a lot easier than getting most cats to take a pill!! The needles are very tiny and most cats don't even notice!!
Critter Mom
Member Since 2014
From a Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2015) article providing recent guidelines on best practice for feline diabetes management:
From the AAHA 2010 guidelines for treatment of diabetic cats and dogs:
[Original articles attached below]
Mogs
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Role of oral hypoglycaemic agents
While oral hypoglycaemics are often used in type 2 diabetics in human medicine, there is no good evidence to support their use in preference to insulin therapy in cats. A recent review summarises current knowledge of these agents in cats (Table 1).56
Recommendations on using oral hypoglycaemics
The main indication for using an oral hypoglycaemic is when owners initially refuse insulin treatment. Currently, glipizide is the only agent with sufficient evidence to support its use as sole therapy in cats. It is given at an initial dose of 2.5 mg Po q12h. Iif there are no adverse effects and glycaemic control has not been achieved after 2 weeks, the dose can be increased to 5 mg q12h. A clinical response, if seen, is usually apparent after 4–6 weeks. (See Table 1 for potential problems with glipizide use.)
Owners frequently change to insulin treatment when glipizide is found to be ineffective. This transition can often be achieved within a few weeks – earlier being valuable to avoid missing the ‘window of opportunity’ for reversal of glucose toxicity and achieving diabetic remission.
While oral hypoglycaemics are often used in type 2 diabetics in human medicine, there is no good evidence to support their use in preference to insulin therapy in cats. A recent review summarises current knowledge of these agents in cats (Table 1).56
Recommendations on using oral hypoglycaemics
The main indication for using an oral hypoglycaemic is when owners initially refuse insulin treatment. Currently, glipizide is the only agent with sufficient evidence to support its use as sole therapy in cats. It is given at an initial dose of 2.5 mg Po q12h. Iif there are no adverse effects and glycaemic control has not been achieved after 2 weeks, the dose can be increased to 5 mg q12h. A clinical response, if seen, is usually apparent after 4–6 weeks. (See Table 1 for potential problems with glipizide use.)
Owners frequently change to insulin treatment when glipizide is found to be ineffective. This transition can often be achieved within a few weeks – earlier being valuable to avoid missing the ‘window of opportunity’ for reversal of glucose toxicity and achieving diabetic remission.
From the AAHA 2010 guidelines for treatment of diabetic cats and dogs:
Oral hypoglycemic drugs, combined with diet change, are only indicated if owner refuses insulin therapy or is considering euthanasia. These agents are not considered appropriate for long-term use.
[Original articles attached below]
Mogs
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Larry and Kitties
Member Since 2009
My vet for my first diabetic cat, Gray Ghost first tried diet, then glipizide, and then insulin.
Neither the diet nor glipizide did much to reduce BG. Insulin worked,
Neither the diet nor glipizide did much to reduce BG. Insulin worked,
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