Caninsulin - Cure for Feline Diabetes Part 2

Maintenance
Once the maintenance dose has been established and the animal is
stabilised a long-term management programme needs to be implemented. The aim should be to manage the animal in such a way as to minimise the variations in its insulin requirement. This includes monitoring to detect under or overdose of insulin and adjustment of dose if required. Careful stabilisation and tight monitoring and control during maintenance will help to limit the chronic problems associated with diabetes including cataracts, fatty liver etc.

Various approaches to maintenance have been described. The most clinically rational approach is for the owner to monitor and record the dog's general health (including well being, thirst and appetite) and check urine glucose at least daily. The veterinary surgeon checks the case every 2-4 months (or more often if there are problems) including its health and urine glucose record. Blood glucose is also measured at this time.
The veterinary surgeon based on full analysis of the clinical data and the blood glucose measurement makes adjustments to the insulin dose.

The ability for owners to recognise the signs of hypo- or hyperglycaemia and respond appropriately is important if control is to be achieved during maintenance therapy. Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia in combination with weight loss, general bad condition, loss of hair or abnormal furry coat and lethargy are the most common clinical signs of hyperglycaemia and requires administration of insulin to restore blood glucose concentrations to the normal range.

Contra-indications, warnings etc

1. Caninsulin is an intermediate duration insulin and is not intended for the treatment of animals with severe acute diabetes presenting in a ketoacidotic state. Caninsulin must not be administered by the intravenous route.

2. The use of progestogens in animals suffering from diabetes mellitus should be avoided. Ovariohysterectomy may have to be considered.

3. Stress and irregular exercise must be avoided. Care must be taken with the use of corticosteroids.

4. It is important to establish a strict feeding schedule in consultation with the owner that will include a minimum of fluctuations and changes.

5. An adult responsible for the welfare of the animal must carry out administration of Caninsulin.

6. For animal treatment only. Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage
Store refrigerated at 2-8ºC. Protect from light. Store in the upright position. Following withdrawal of the first dose use the product within 28 days. Discard unused material.
Insulin should not be frozen as this will denature the fragile insulin chains. Similarly, high temperatures should be avoided. Before drawing insulin into the syringe, the contents of the bottle should be gently mixed so that they are properly resuspended. Excessive shaking can damage the insulin and thus make the product less effective or even ineffective.

Packaging
Vials containing 10 ml or 2.5 ml in single and multiple packs.