Prospective evaluation of a protocol for transitioning porcine lente insulin-treated diabetic cats to human recombinant protamine zinc insulin:

ObjectivesThe objective was to evaluate a nadir-led protocol for transitioning porcine lente insulin suspension (PLIS)-treated diabetic cats onto human recombinant protamine zinc insulin (PZIR).MethodsRecently diagnosed (<5 months) diabetic cats, treated with PLIS q12h for ⩾6 weeks, were recruited. Fructosamine, 24 h blood glucose curve (BGC), quality of life assessment (DIAQoL-pet score) and Diabetic Clinical Score (DCS) were assessed at enrolment (PLIS-treated) and 2, 4 and 12 weeks after transitioning to PZIR (starting dose 0.2–0.7 U/kg q12h). Short duration of insulin action was defined as <9 h. Linear mixed effects modelling assessed for change in fructosamine, mean blood glucose (MBG) during BGCs, DIAQoL-pet score, DCS and q12h insulin dose. McNemar’s tests compared the proportion of cats with hypoglycaemia at week 0 (PLIS-treated) and week 4 (PZIR-treated).ResultsTwenty-two cats were recruited. Median PLIS dose at enrolment was 0.5 U/kg (interquartile range 0.3–0.7 U/kg) q12h, equalling median PZIR...