NIDDM in the cat: treatment with the oral hypoglycemic medication, glipizide.

The oral hypoglycemic medication, glipizide, provides a viable therapeutic alternative to conventional insulin therapy with a positive therapeutic response in approximately 50% of diabetic cats with non-insulin-dependent disease. Response to glipizide therapy or lack thereof usually is evident within the first 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. Adverse side effects occurred in less than 10% of patients. The existence of residual beta cell function is necessary for response to glipizide therapy. Predictors of response to glipizide therapy were not found. Identification and correction or control of existing insulin antagonistic disease processes, as well as, discontinuation of diabetogenic medications that may be contributing to insulin resistance is also important.