FDA Approves First
Insulin Drug Vetsulin ® for Diabetic
Dogs
For the first time, mans best friend
will now have his own non-human insulin.
The FDA has approved a porcine insulin
zinc suspension product as the first
drug for treating diabetic dogs. Prior
to the development of this product,
the only treatment veterinarians could
use on diabetic dogs was human insulin,
which is less compatible with a dog’s
metabolic system.
Estimates are that one in every 200
dogs will develop diabetes. The onset
usually occurs in dogs aged 7-9 years,
and seems to be twice as prevalent in
females as in males.
“This is a very positive development
for millions of American dog owners
and their pets,” said Acting FDA
Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford.
“It promises to improve the health
and quality of life of dogs who suffer
from this debilitating disease.”
The product will be marketed under
the trade name “Vetsulin”
by its developer Intervet, Inc. of Millsboro,
Del., and will be available under a
veterinarian’s prescription.
The treatment will be used to improve
the clinical signs of diabetes in dogs
such as excessive thirst, excessive
urination, excessive appetite, and weight
loss despite good appetite.
Veterinarians will determine the initial
treatment dose based on the dog’s
weight, and then will use various tests
to adjust the dosage to the optimum
level.
Maintenance administration of the insulin
may be done in the home. Dog owners
will be provided instructions on how
to treat their dogs at home with the
insulin. An information sheet that outlines
the benefits and risks of the treatment
will also be provided.
Among the risks dog owners may face
is hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood
sugar) if they accidentally inject themselves
with the insulin.
Vetsulin has already been approved in
20 countries, including the United Kingdom,
and should be available in the United
States in late summer 2004.
KONSYL
Soluble fiber intake for the
patients with Type 2 diabetes
has been well established. The
problem remains that most Americans
just cannot seem to consume enough
soluble fiber by diet alone. The
easiest way to reach the level
of 25-35 grams needed daily is
to take a supplement such as Konsyl.
Konsyl contains 6 grams of psyllium
(4 grams of soluble fiber per
teaspoon dose). When taken twice
daily, Konsyl will help lower
blood glucose levels, reduce cholesterol
levels and help control weight.
Konsyl is an Over the Counter
product, found in most pharmacies
in the US. Click
Here
|
