Noodle switched from BCP PZI to Lantus--Lantus question

[Christianna]

How long does it generally take to see a lowering of BG numbers after starting Lantus? I have been studying the Lantus info to get acquainted with the differences between PZI and Lantus and know every cat is different, just wondered if someone could give me a rough idea as to what to expect time wise. Also any other Lantus tips or experiences would be much appreciated. I'm starting all over again and it seems like PZI and Lantus are quite different, from what I've read. Thank you all.

Christi

 

[Larry and Kitties]

It will take days since lantus is a depot insulin and it takes a few days for the insulin to build up and show full effectiveness.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hi Christi,

As Larry says, Lantus is a 'depot' insulin. The insulin builds up a store or 'depot' in the body which is released into the bloodstream over time. For that reason it can take a few days to see the full effect of any given dose. This is unlike PZI where, typically, you will see the main effect of a dose in that same cycle.

If you'd like to attract the eyes of more Lantus folks then you could consider posting on either of the Lantus forums here at FDMB. There is a 'relaxed' forum (mostly 'Start Low Go Slow' dosage) and the Tight Regulation forum. You are welcome to post on either of these (or indeed to continue to post on this main Health forum). It is entirely your preference. :smile:
There is a lot of helpful info in the Stickies at the top of Lantus TR forum. Here is a link to a Sticky that explains the Lantus depot:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=150
Incidentally, I can't see any data on Noodles' SS. Is the SS empty or is it just that my prehistoric computer can't see the data...? confused_cat

Eliz

 

[Christianna]

Hi Larry and Kitties,
Thank you so much for that information. I'm not patient by nature and thought I might see a little bit of a drop after 2 doses but I guess that's not likely I had read a little on Lantus and thought it would be different than the PZI but it's nice to hear from someone who knows. Thanks so much.

Christi

 

[BJM]

On the first dose level, it can take 5 to 7 days to stabilize and evaluate the dose, due to the build up of the depot. Subsequent doses after that take about 3 to 5 days to stabilize.

You adjust dose primarily based on the nadir, or how low Noodle goes between shouts. The lowest glucose is likely to happen between +5 to +7 hours post shot.

Until you have ample mid-cycle test data, follow the protocol carefully to adjust the dose.

 

[Christianna]

Hi Elizabeth and Bertie,
Thank you so much for your helpful explanation and also for the link to the Lantus depot explanation. I am going there shortly
I'm still in the process of setting up Noodle's spreadsheet. I have never done that before and kind Sue is talking me through it and getting me educated, so hopefully Noodle's data will be up in a day or so. So it is definitely not your computer I'm just data-challenged I plan to spend some time this evening on the Lantus forums. I kind of feel (like others maybe do too) that I have been thrown into the deep end of the pool and need to learn to swim in a hurry. So I am very grateful for the help you've given me and the ongoing advice. Thanks so much!

Christi

 

[Christianna]

Hi BJM,
Thank you so much for your helpful advice. Noodle is on his third dose of Lantus and until I read some of the forum members' wisdom, I naively thought that I should see some change in Noodle's numbers right away. Now I know Lantus doesn't work that way. So I won't get too frantic if his BG doesn't come down immediately. Gee, you'd think my vet might have mentioned that, huh? :roll: I appreciate your helping me out with my questions!

Christi

 

[BJM]

Once you get your spreadsheet set up or when you look at someone else's signature link, this'll make more sense!

Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning pre-shot test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening pre-shot)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.