About Feline Diabetes and Lantus Insulin

Some cats develop diabetes during the course of their lives, and it provides many hardships for their owners because of the money involved and care the cat requires. A new product, Lantus, sometimes referred to as Glargine insulin, is being used to treat cats with the disease.

  1. Function

    • According to the Net Pets website, one in 400 cats develop diabetes. Cats develop diabetes when they stop being able to process glucose well, according to Feline Diabetes. The glucose is supposed to turn into energy utilizing the insulin in a healthy cat. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing the required amount of insulin to have the glucose processed. Type 2 occurs when the insulin adversely affects the cat's cells. Increased sugar levels are a result of both types.

    Signs

    • As Net Pet warns, a diabetic cat's eating habits are changed as a result of the disease. Some of the more common symptoms of diabetes are that the cat often becomes more thirsty and urinates more frequently. This leads to weight loss in many cases. The cat also becomes less energetic. Cats sometimes lose fur as well.

    Lantis

    • One of the most popular ways to treat diabetes in cats is Lantis, according to Vet Info. Sanofi-Aventis makes Lantis, It lowers the glucose level in the cat's blood by giving it hormones. Lantis is not given to cats as regularly as other types of insulin, because of its slow release time into the cat. Lantis remains active for usually 12 hours each day. It is common for cats to receive two injections a day.

    Comsiderations

    • Vet Info warns that if Lantis stays unrefrigerated too long, its safety can be affected. Lantis must be placed back in the refrigerator immediately after use. Vets often suggest a low carbohydrate diet in conjunction with Lantis.

    Complications

    • Most cats have no adverse reactions to Lantis, but Vet Info warns there are some side effects. Irritations on the cat's skin form in some cases, and the injection site forms a thick area surrounding it. Pale skin, nervousness and tremors are all signs of low blood sugar. Notify the vet of any allergic reaction the cat has. Net Pets states that as long as the owner follows the treatment regime outlined by the vet, most diabetic cats live a happy life for many years.