Neville’s new blood-glucose sensor has finished its two-week run, and the findings are not good.
The insulin that Nev is being given is having very little effect on his glucose numbers. On some days, there is a slight, almost negligible, drop, a while after his injection; on other days, it may as well be as if I have not given him anything. His numbers remained high throughout each day.
Having re-read some of my blog entries on the Nevsky’s fight with diabetes, I recollected that he switched insulin types from ProZinc to Lantus glargine almost exactly a year ago. The ProZinc had been losing its effect, though its results were more erratic, sometimes giving him a drastic curve, sometimes none at all. The change to glargine had done Nev good. Now, it too is losing its power.
I will discuss this with the veterinary. The options open to us are limited. Controlling the diabetes with diet alone has not been successful, though a good diet does limit the factors that can hurt his numbers. I will suggest switching the Former Thin Man back to ProZinc; there are not many types of insulin to give him. There is Caninsulin, but that is made for dogs, as the name implies; ProZinc is made for cats.
It has been a frustrating fortnight, though I am pleased with the ability of the sensor to tell me what is going on with Neville’s numbers. I would not have had such conclusive proof that his current treatment is impotent without the sensor and monitor, and I am grateful for that. If he is moved to another kind of insulin, I will have another sensor put on him, to monitor the new treatment.
For now, however, I will continue to give Nev his insulin, as weak as it is. It might, after all, be having enough effect to keep things from being even worse. And, to be honest, there is no other option until I speak with the doctor about this worrying situation.
Well, that's a bit disappointing.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping the switch back to the previous stuff will help.
That's a glorious photo of The Nevsky; floofalicious!
I am very hopeful that a switch back will be useful. This is very troubling.
ReplyDeleteWe, too, hope that the switch to the first insulin will work--certainly at least for another year. We have our paws and fingers crossed for Neville. ♥
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry to hear that Nev's glucose findings are not good. It sounds like he may be developing insulin resistance. Have you tried feeding him Purina DM? I've had very good results giving that to my diabetic cats along with their insulin. You mentioned Caninsulin. I'm not familiar with it, but even though it is used mainly for dogs, I wonder if it could it be used "off label" for cats? Meanwhile, hopefully switching back to ProZinc will help. Please keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about treating diabetes, but I just looked up Caninsulin, and it is now "officially" used for cats, as well. Poor Nev, I hope a solution can be found soon.
DeleteMinuet arrived with a supply of Caninsulin, to treat her non-existent diabetes. It’s an option for Nev, since glargine is not helping him.
DeleteThis is a major concern certainly. Neville's life is in the balance of good and bad. I hope you find an insulin that stabilizes him. Always thinking of you and the cats.
ReplyDeletePoor Neville. That is very frustrating. I hope the vet can come up with an alternative treatment.
ReplyDeletePurrayers for you and Neville.
ReplyDeleteDiabetes is very frustrating and confusing for us humans trying to help our sweeties.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is bad news indeed. We sure hope the vet will have more options. Hang in there Neville, we want you to have better blood sugar levels.
ReplyDeleteWe sure hope making the switch does the trick. Poor Neville.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Nev's treatment isn't doing a good job right now. Lantus is supposed to be the "gold standard" for diabetes, but every cat is different. Nev may need a higher dose of the Lantus than he's getting, but get your vet's blessing before raising it, of course.
ReplyDeleteCarmine has done best on Vetsulin - it's a U-40 insulin like ProZinc. Vetsulin was made for cats and dogs. I'll preface this by saying Carmine is a very sensitive guy and he's being treated for steroid-induced diabetes, but 1/2 unit twice a day has been good for him.
I hope you and your vet can figure out the best treatment for Nev. Hang in there. Diabetes is tough to manage and it often takes some trial-and-error.
Neville was already receiving a high dose, from which I've been trying to lower him. I want to be careful of a Somogyi effect, too. The problem isn't the dosage, I think, as four units should lower a very high number at least a little.
DeleteMy thoughts are with you and the Nev. There has to be something out there that can help him! Hope the Dr comes up with a plan that will stabilize his diabetes.
ReplyDeleteOh dear Nev we are so sorry to learn the medicine isn't working like it once did. We will certainly purr that the Vet still has some magic up their sleeves for you. Purr purr purr
ReplyDelete