What is best insulin for a diabetic cat?

Answer 1

A long-acting insulin such as detemir (Levemir) or glargine (Lantus) is best. Google Dr. Jacquie Rand, Queensland University, and see http://tillydiabetes.net/en_6_protocol2.htm for more info. The new ProZinc PZI insulin is okay too, but avoid Caninsulin, Vetsulin, Lente or Humulin N insulins.

The reason is simple -- diabetics need insulin at all times, at as constant a level as possible in the blood. Even a few hours without insulin leads to high blood sugar, which in turn leads to damage to the pancreatic beta cells which prevents healing and remission. Lack of insulin also risks ketoacidosis, which is very life-threatening.

Cats go through insulin about twice as fast as dogs or humans though, so a 12-hour insulin for dogs will often last only 6 hours in a cat. The ones I recommend above are shown to usually last 12 hours in felines. (Meaning they should be injected every 12 hours.)

PZI lasts a little less than 12 hours but can be used effectively if shot 'as needed' also, which is not recommended for glargine or detemir. The others (NPH, Lente, Vetsulin/Caninsulin) are not long-enough lasting for most cats, though they work fine in dogs.

See http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Insulins for lots more.

Answer 2

There is no "best insulin" for Diabetes. Firstly, it depends what type of Diabetes you have. In some types you may not even need to take insulin. There are long, medium and short acting insulins and depending on your personal circumstance an "insulin regime" is made where by you take different insulins at different times, amongst other types of diabetic medication, perhaps.

The best solution is for the diabetic person to go see the GP/Family Doctor and work out the best regime based on the patient's age, onset of diabetes and most importantly, blood sugar monitoring levels.