Starting Chester on Levemir (from Lantus)

[thursday]

So we've decided to try switching to Levemir from Lantus (he's still above 500 BG for most of the day, with lows in the high 400's). Although we're planning on starting low, he's currently at 15 units of Lantus. What has been the experience for switching a cat from Lantus to Levemir? Should I expect something lower to work for him? I hate to start out with such a low dose because he's already at such a high dose of Lantus.

Also, what sorts of syringes should be used? Mine do not seem to have marks at .25 or even .5 - any brands I should ask for?

PLEASE REMEMBER - Chester has acromegaly! He is not a regular feline diabetic, and this is why his insulin needs are so high.

 

[pamela and tigger]

So we've decided to try switching to Levemir from Lantus (he's still above 500 BG for most of the day, with lows in the high 400's). Although we're planning on starting low, he's currently at 15 units of Lantus. What has been the experience for switching a cat from Lantus to Levemir? Should I expect something lower to work for him? I hate to start out with such a low dose because he's already at such a high dose of Lantus.

Also, what sorts of syringes should be used? Mine do not seem to have marks at .25 or even .5 - any brands I should ask for?

PLEASE REMEMBER - Chester has acromegaly! He is not a regular feline diabetic, and this is why his insulin needs are so high.

Welcome from another Illinoisan.

I wish we could help you here but the best information for a cat with acromegaly is on the ISG forum here under that name. I do see that you were posting there before as of November. It looks like you were getting great advice too. Very knowledgeable people on that forum who have experience with these special kitties. Good that you are thinking of switching to levemir, especially for an acro kitty.

 

[Melissa&Paul-Kyle]

Welcome the the Lev board!

I can't speak to Acro kitties on Lev, I'm sorry. I just don't have the experience.

I know with the "average" diabetic, they start a little lower on Lev than they were on their other insulin and work up so not to miss the ideal dose.

I also know that Lantus didn't seem to work well for my Pauly, but Lev did work better.

That probably isn't much help, but that's all I got for ya ;-) not knowing Acro better.

Pamela mentioned you'd been on the Acro board before with the Lantus- are you comfortable going there again for Lev?

Keep us posted on the progress and if we can be helpful in any way, please.

 

[Sheila & Beau GA & Jeddie GA]

Hello from a fellow Chicagoan (north side).

My understanding is that you want to cut back the dose somewhat, but I would defer to the acro-parents with experience in that. I think you - and Chester (!) - will love levemir. I think I have seem more acrocats on lev than lantus, so maybe it works better.

Good luck! And always feel free to post here.

PS - my sister has acromegaly, and just lost her diabetic cat last week, but that is the extent of my experience with acrocats - by distant association!