Time released insulins

Status
Not open for further replies.

susang

Member Since 2015
Would someone explain how the time released insulins work? When would a cat's BG be the lowest during that cycle...right when the shot is given or at the mid-point between the shot and the next shot?
 
You mean long lasting insulins like lantus, levimer or prozinc.

I found this link to be quite helpful explaining.
http://www.indulgedfurries.com/petdiabetes/insulin.html

I have understood that for these type of insulins the lowest is not often at the time of shot but towards the middle if the cycle. But every cat is different and so some cats drop quickly, some cats peak late and some cats get double dips. This is why we home test. So we can build up data on our own cat and keep them safe.

Are you testing at all?
 
It depends on the insulin and the cat. Both ProZinc/PZI and Lantus have nadirs/low points usually around 5-7 hours after a shot whereas Levemir can nadir much later, anywhere from 6-14 hours depending on the cat. So, in the case of Levemir, it can sometimes seem like their lowest point is at shot time (but it's really the next shot time). Here is a link to a description of the depot that both Lantus and Levemir utilize (in slightly different ways).

What insulin are you using and are you home-testing? That will give a better idea of where the nadir is for your cat.
 
Lantus forms small crystals under the skin. These slowly dissolve to release the insulin.
Levemir binds to proteins in the blood. The bindings slowly dissolve to release the insulin.
For either, some of the insulin has yet to be used by the time of the next shot.
We call this leftover insulin the shed or depot.
 
He is on ProZinc PZI now, Lantus didn't seem to be working for him. (I have a totally brand new bottle of Lantus that I'm not using)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top