? Switched to LANTUS! How many units?

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Poopers and Catia

Member Since 2021
Hey everyone, i know it's been a while that i have been saying i was going to switch Pooper's insulin but things happen... I have finally bought the Lantus insulin and i really need your advice on how many units i should give him to start on the new insulin. We have been hiving him 3U lately of Caninsulin because his levels have been too high but i think its because its the end of the insulin so i think it just doesnt have that much affect... i dont know if that makes sense.
Should i start him off at 1U and see how it goes?
 
Hi Catia, glad to see you are ready to start with Lantus. Based on the more recent tests that I see you have at 3u of Caninsulin, we would take that into consideration in the dose switch to Lantus. I would not go back down to 1u of Lantus, that's too low of a starting dose, given the current numbers you are seeing on 3u of Caninsulin. I would stick with at least 3u, maybe even 3.25u since the lowest you've seen recently is mid-250s but let's see what others say. When you start, it is best to be able to monitor closely, since some kitties can react strongly to a switch in insulin. Lantus usually onsets (when insulin begins to enter the bloodstream and begins to lower blood glucose) around +2 for many kitties, although it can vary.

I'd suggest putting a big break (new row) in your SS with the remark that you are starting Lantus.

Some of the suggestions you get regarding how long to hold the dose and when to reduce will depend on which dosing method you would like to follow. Have you had a chance to look at the sticky on dosing methods? Are you still feeding the dry food? If you are, then you'll need to follow SLGS.

If you haven't already, please make sure you have the U100 insulin syringes, and ones with 1/2u marking, since we typically make dose adjustments in 0.25u increments. Vetsulin is a U40 insulin, so put those syringes away, you'd be giving more Lantus than you think if you mistakenly use those. With Lantus, it is important to note that we don't roll or mix the insulin before using it. Another difference between Lantus and Vetsulin is with Lantus, we test, feed, and shoot all within about 10-15 minutes.

When you are ready, and start Lantus, come visit and post over on the Lantus, Levemir Basalgar insulin support group, there are many experienced members over there that can help you as you go.
 
Hi Catia, glad to see you are ready to start with Lantus. Based on the more recent tests that I see you have at 3u of Caninsulin, we would take that into consideration in the dose switch to Lantus. I would not go back down to 1u of Lantus, that's too low of a starting dose, given the current numbers you are seeing on 3u of Caninsulin. I would stick with at least 3u, maybe even 3.25u since the lowest you've seen recently is mid-250s but let's see what others say. When you start, it is best to be able to monitor closely, since some kitties can react strongly to a switch in insulin. Lantus usually onsets (when insulin begins to enter the bloodstream and begins to lower blood glucose) around +2 for many kitties, although it can vary.

I'd suggest putting a big break (new row) in your SS with the remark that you are starting Lantus.

Some of the suggestions you get regarding how long to hold the dose and when to reduce will depend on which dosing method you would like to follow. Have you had a chance to look at the sticky on dosing methods? Are you still feeding the dry food? If you are, then you'll need to follow SLGS.

If you haven't already, please make sure you have the U100 insulin syringes, and ones with 1/2u marking, since we typically make dose adjustments in 0.25u increments. Vetsulin is a U40 insulin, so put those syringes away, you'd be giving more Lantus than you think if you mistakenly use those. With Lantus, it is important to note that we don't roll or mix the insulin before using it. Another difference between Lantus and Vetsulin is with Lantus, we test, feed, and shoot all within about 10-15 minutes.

When you are ready, and start Lantus, come visit and post over on the Lantus, Levemir Basalgar insulin support group, there are many experienced members over there that can help you as you go.

Thank you for all this information. I spoke to the vet because he told me to give him a call when i buy the Lantus insulin and he said that for tonight i should give him Caninsulin and to start tomorrow with Lantus. He doesn't know his levels so he said to start at 1U. I will inform him and see if he agrees with you. Also the syringes i got are the ones everyone was sending me a picture of so i just showed the pharmacist https://diabetesexpress.ca/products/bd-uf-ii-syringe-3-10cc-31g-8mm
bd-uf-ii-syringe-3-10cc-31g-8mm
I am feeding him a mix of wet and dry food.
 
My girl was on Caninsulin (5 units but seeing mid 100's) when we switched to Lantus. That vet also told me to start at 1 unit. What a huge mistake! Took me a couple months to get back to where I should have. Christie is right, 3.0 units is a good start.
 
My girl was on Caninsulin (5 units but seeing mid 100's) when we switched to Lantus. That vet also told me to start at 1 unit. What a huge mistake! Took me a couple months to get back to where I should have. Christie is right, 3.0 units is a good start.
wow really, thats horrible! Do you think anything will change... should i keep a close eye on him tomorrow
 
Some cats respond strongly to the first dose. Others not so much. It’s a good idea to keep a close watch for that reason. Lantus is a depot insulin so the first dose is usually held for the first week to build the depot. It onsets usually around +2. If that test is lower than the amps there may be a strong response. For many cats the +2 is a crystal ball as to whether it will be an active cycle or not.
 
The "reacts strongly to the first dose" is more for a switch from Lantus to Levemir, not so much an in and out insulin to a depot insulin. Due to the fact that you have to wait for the depot to build, often the first few days can be rather quiet. However, just in case, we do suggest testing at +3, +6, and +9 to start, and making sure you switch on a day (and night) when you can monitor closely.
 
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