Re: should I switch to ProZinc?
Hi Monica,
The old version of PZI went away about 3 years ago (PZI Vet). PZI is now a compounded formula, which is what you are now using. It is still a "bovine" insulin like the old stuff was. Prozinc was also created, but it is a recombinant human insulin specifically designed to work for cats. Compared directly to PZI, it has a little longer duration. Here's some info from their website:
PROZINC provides predictable, lasting control
PROZINC is a protamine zinc insulin, a type of long-acting insulin that is ideal for your cat's condition.
Protamine zinc insulin formulations have a typical duration of effect in the cat of 10-14 hours.1
PROZINC insulin releases slowly over time to help maintain a stable, consistent blood glucose level throughout the day.
PROZINC was made for cats
PROZINC is the first long-acting protamine zinc insulin with FDA approval for diabetic cats.
In fact, PROZINC was specifically designed for feline diabetes and is backed by extensive clinical studies in diabetic cats.
176 cats were treated with PROZINC in the efficacy trial,3 making it the largest prospective study conducted in diabetic cats to date.
PROZINC works:
Quickly and effectively, with just two doses a day.
To regulate blood glucose regardless of the diet a cat is fed.2
For newly diagnosed diabetic cats who have never been on insulin before.2
For diabetic cats who haven't responded well to other treatments, including other insulin products.2
http://www.prozinc.us/how_prozinc_helps.aspx
It is not a "shed/depot type" insulin like lantus or levemir. If you were to switch, the transition from PZI to Prozinc would be more simple than a switch to one of the "L's". But people have had a great deal of success using Lantus or Lev as well. If you do decide to switch, you should probably consider all three options. Of course you know that ECID, so don't be frustrated because PZI worked for Fluffy's brother but doesn't seem to be working for Fluffy.
I would definitely try a switch to all canned lo-carb food, which will bring about a quick improvement in Fluffy's numbers all by itself.
And like everyone else has said, home testing is probably the best thing you can do right off the bat, if you aren't already doing that.
Food quantity - a simple formula that I used when Bob was getting insulin (He was a PZI kitty too, but went into remission after 10 weeks of treatment):
20 calories per pound of "ideal body weight" per day. If Fluffy, for instance, would be ideally 10 pounds, then 200 calories per day should maintain that weight. Add some calories if her numbers are not controlled or regulated to compensate for her not being able to metabolize her food at 100%. If you look at Binky's food charts, the calories per can is on the charts. 200 calories is about 2.5 cans of FF classics or 2 cans of Friskees Pates, for example. Here's the links to the charts:
http://binkyspage.tripod.com/CanFoodOld.html
http://binkyspage.tripod.com/CanFoodNew.html
How long has Fluffy been on PZI?
What sort of numbers have you been seeing with her BG?
What is her dose currently?
You're shooting every 12 hours?
Does Fluffy have any other conditions or health issues going on besides "just diabetes"?
Let us know the numbers, and we'll be able to help a lot more,