Hi there! I've been giving my cat Glargine for a few months now. We're up to 4.5 units and when I test his urine it's not getting any better. My cat is still constantly thirsty. I'm wondering if it has to do with the fact that I'm using same bottle of insulin stored at room temperature since December. It seemed ridiculous to throw away a bottle of insulin when so many people need it, etc. I looked on this board and the consensus seemed to be that as long as it wasn't cloudly it was okay to use. Anyway, any thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading! I'm taking him to the vet this week.
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- Thread starter Zags
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Red & Rover (GA)
Member Since 2016
Welcome.
For long term use, Glargine is best stored in a refrigerator. I'm not sure how long glargine is viable at room temperature. I know the FDA required it to be tested at room temperature for 28 days because humans carry the vial around with them.
Usually the sign that insulin is losing its efficacy is higher numbers. Is the insulin cloudy? Does it have any floaties in it?
@Wendy&Neko
The glucose test in the urine just indicates that the glucose is spilling into the urine. There is a threshold and until that threshold is reached, no glucose spills into the urine. The threshold is different in every cat but it is around 200-280.
The most accurate way to test for blood sugar is a glucometer. A human glucometer will do. Most people here use one.
Let us know if we can be of more help.
For long term use, Glargine is best stored in a refrigerator. I'm not sure how long glargine is viable at room temperature. I know the FDA required it to be tested at room temperature for 28 days because humans carry the vial around with them.
Usually the sign that insulin is losing its efficacy is higher numbers. Is the insulin cloudy? Does it have any floaties in it?
@Wendy&Neko
The glucose test in the urine just indicates that the glucose is spilling into the urine. There is a threshold and until that threshold is reached, no glucose spills into the urine. The threshold is different in every cat but it is around 200-280.
The most accurate way to test for blood sugar is a glucometer. A human glucometer will do. Most people here use one.
Let us know if we can be of more help.
Humans store their vials out of the fridge because they go through the insulin much faster than most cats do. I think I'd be suspicious of the vial being older than 28 days if not store in the fridge. Another option people buy is pens or cartridges (not available in US) for Lantus/glargine.
What food are you feeding your kitty? If you aren't feeding low carb food, that can also make a difference in the dose of insulin needed.
What food are you feeding your kitty? If you aren't feeding low carb food, that can also make a difference in the dose of insulin needed.
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