My baby was diagnosed today

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TwosMom

TwosMom

Member Since 2016
Hello everyone,

My 14 year old baby was just diagnosed with diabetes today. I have been researching what I could possibly do to afford this all day. The vet told me that the insulin cost $270 and I also need to bring him in for an all day test. Me and my son have been so distraught over this. I just can't imagine my household without Two. It's so overwhelming the amount of information there is and honestly I just don't know where to begin. Can someone please help point me in the right direction? I want to be able to ensure that I take care of him without running the risk of not being able to feed my son. Also the vet just told I need to get the insulin from a pharmacy but nothing else. Please help!
 
Hey! We were diagnosed two weeks ago, so you're not alone. My vet wrote me a script for Novolin (a controversial hard-hitting, shorter lasting insulin, but the goal right now is to save his life while I figure all of this out--we may be changing insulins in the future). I took it to Walmart and got the Relion generic for $25. Other insulins are more expensive I hear, but I've never heard of it being that much. Maybe explain to him that finances are tough especially right at the beginning of the diagnosis when you're having to pay for the tests, supplies, and everything else all at once. He should work with you a bit. I told my vet straight up that I'm a full time student making part-time money and she got on board with me.

I just started to home test my cat's glucose levels yesterday. I bought a cheap little Walmart meter, and test him in the mornings before I give him any food or insulin, and write the results in a notebook for reference. I really like the peace of mind it gave me knowing that I'm not blindly shooting insulin into him without knowing if his sugars are high enough or not. I strongly encourage looking into it once you get settled.

What I first prioritized, though, was getting him totally off the dry food and onto a low carb wet diet. I knew that a good diet with the correct nutritional breakdown is key for any diabetic of any species. Fancy feast, friskies, and 9lives pates are all great low carb choices and in my opinion the ingredients are better than the prescription canned foods out there. Very affordable too. I don't spend much more than what I had been spending on dry food. Your kitty should be on a wet food diet if at all possible.

It took me a good couple of days for my head to stop spinning after my baby was diagnosed. It is a lot to take in, but you'll find some great support and useful information here.
 
Welcome to FDMB.

By changing the diet to an over the counter, low carb, canned food, you may reduce the glucose levels 100-200 mg/dL. This can be enough for some cats to not need insulin, temporarily use insulin, or to reduce the amount used.

Tests at the vet may be 100-180 mg/dL higher than at home. Testing at home is less costly than vet tests, and may be done with inexpensive human glucometers. All our reference levels here are using human glucometers such as the WalMart ReliOn Confirm, Confirm Micro, or Prime, or the Target Up and UP. You'll need matching test strips, plus lancets for alternate site testing.

There are a number of ways to cut costs, including ordering Lantus from Canada or seeing if there is any in our Supply Closet available for less. (there is, I just saw it) Stored in the refrigerator, on a stationary shelf, it can be used up to 6 months. Yes, the pharmacist will say 1 month - that is what is was tested for, for humans, unrefrigerated, for the FDA.
 
ja9390 said:
Hey! We were diagnosed two weeks ago, so you're not alone. My vet wrote me a script for Novolin (a controversial hard-hitting, shorter lasting insulin, but the goal right now is to save his life while I figure all of this out--we may be changing insulins in the future). I took it to Walmart and got the Relion generic for $25. Other insulins are more expensive I hear, but I've never heard of it being that much. Maybe explain to him that finances are tough especially right at the beginning of the diagnosis when you're having to pay for the tests, supplies, and everything else all at once. He should work with you a bit. I told my vet straight up that I'm a full time student making part-time money and she got on board with me.

I just started to home test my cat's glucose levels yesterday. I bought a cheap little Walmart meter, and test him in the mornings before I give him any food or insulin, and write the results in a notebook for reference. I really like the peace of mind it gave me knowing that I'm not blindly shooting insulin into him without knowing if his sugars are high enough or not. I strongly encourage looking into it once you get settled.

What I first prioritized, though, was getting him totally off the dry food and onto a low carb wet diet. I knew that a good diet with the correct nutritional breakdown is key for any diabetic of any species. Fancy feast, friskies, and 9lives pates are all great low carb choices and in my opinion the ingredients are better than the prescription canned foods out there. Very affordable too. I don't spend much more than what I had been spending on dry food. Your kitty should be on a wet food diet if at all possible.

It took me a good couple of days for my head to stop spinning after my baby was diagnosed. It is a lot to take in, but you'll find some great support and useful information here.
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Thank you so much for the information! The vet prescribed lantus (?)..I think that's the way it's spelled. I called three different pharmacies and it ranges from 270 to 284. He also told me to get a bag of food from them for $25 for a 4 pound bag smh. So thank you so much for the food information. I will pick some up from Walmart tomorrow.
 
welcome to our board. We are glad you found us. Can I ask a few questions? What kind of food do you feed Two? Did your vet say anything about home testing? Usually the BG numbers are more reliable when you do home testing. Being at the vets can raise the BG because of stress.
Does Two have anything else going on ie infection?
Do you know his BG number the vet was getting? Do you know the name of the insulin that has been prescribed? Has your vet given you a dosage? Hang on because more experienced members will be by here soon to help.
 
TwosMom said:
Thank you so much for the information! The vet prescribed lantus (?)..I think that's the way it's spelled. I called three different pharmacies and it ranges from 270 to 284. He also told me to get a bag of food from them for $25 for a 4 pound bag smh. So thank you so much for the food information. I will pick some up from Walmart tomorrow.
Click to expand...
If you haven't started insulin you could start changing her over to canned and start with home testing. Any pate, friskies 9 lives will work. If you have started insulin you need to be very careful. Home testing is a must in that circumstance in order to prevent her from dropping too low.

See if your vet will accept you to do a BG curve at home since she won't be so stressed.
 
Mum of two felines said:
welcome to our board. We are glad you found us. Can I ask a few questions? What kind of food do you feed Two? Did your vet say anything about home testing? Usually the BG numbers are more reliable when you do home testing. Being at the vets can raise the BG because of stress.
Does Two have anything else going on ie infection?
Do you know his BG number the vet was getting? Do you know the name of the insulin that has been prescribed? Has your vet given you a dosage? Hang on because more experienced members will be by here soon to help.
Click to expand...

I have two cats one is Two and Diva. Diva is a very picky eater and I could never change her original diet from her previous owners. I tried everything so bother would have meow mix tender cuts and I would give two wellness grain free canned food. He preferred the salmon and chicken morsels in gravy. My vet did not mention home testing or give me any information on the dosage and there is nothing else going on with him. I took him to the vet because he lost a lot of weight over the past month or so but his personality hadn't changed.
 
Also, If you would like to set up your spreadsheet for the home testing you can fond the information here http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/. If you set your spreadsheet us then members can help you watch your kitties BG numbers. And if you would go to your signature block that is located under your profile you can put your kitty's name, dose, insulin name, and BG monitor name. This is also where you'll put your spreadsheet link.
 
I will call the vet tomorrow to ask about the dosage and see if I can perform the test at home.
 
Mum of two felines said:
Also, If you would like to set up your spreadsheet for the home testing you can fond the information here http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/. If you set your spreadsheet us then members can help you watch your kitties BG numbers. And if you would go to your signature block that is located under your profile you can put your kitty's name, dose, insulin name, and BG monitor name. This is also where you'll put your spreadsheet link.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much! I am really glad I found this site.
 
Welcome to Two and yourself. :)

Info on buying Lantus from Canada (Marks Marine Pharmacy):

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...canadian-pharmacies.49608/page-2#post-1344374

Info on home testing:

Home testing links and tips (with how-to videos)

Testing and injecting tips (has very helpful diagram of the 'sweet spot' on the ear where it tends to be easier to get a sample)

Home testing will save you a fortune because you won't have to fork out for vet fees for glucose curves and you'll have more reliable data upon which to base dosing decisions. Most important of all, it's the best way to keep Two safe during insulin treatment.

On meters, Walmart Relion meters are very popular with US members. All have reasonably-priced test strips. The Micro and Confirm only need a very small blood sample. The Prime needs a slightly larger sample but the strips are cheaper. Walmart also do reasonably-priced syringes (but other US members may have additional ideas - and you may be able to find syringes being offered in the FDMB Supply Closet). If you do use Lantus you'll need 0.3ml U100 syringes with half-unit markings (easier to measure the tiny doses most cats need).

There's also information on where you might find financial assistance for Two's treatment here.

Hang in there: this is do-able. :)



Mogs
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The starting dose for Lantus is usually 0.25IU per kg of ideal body weight unless your cat is underweight, in which case it should be 0.25IU of current weight. (1kg = 2.2lb). The initial dose is held for a few days and then adjusted based on the home testing blood glucose data you gather during those days. Thereafter you continue to gather your BG test data and use that to gradually bring your kitty into regulation by adjusting the dose in very small increments (typically 0.25 units). We can help you to learn about all of this.

We often see cats arriving here who are put on too high a starting dose. The idea is to start low and slowly adjust the dose.


Mogs
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Welcome Two and Mom. You've got some great advice already and I see Critter Mom has pointed you to Mark's Marine Pharmacy for lower prices for the insulin.

Just to add to that, it sounds like your vet has written the prescription for the 10ml vial. If you can afford a little bit more up front, buying the pen refills instead of the 10ml vial, will save you even more money in the long run. The 10 ml vial will most likely be more insulin than you can use before it loses it's effectiveness and you'll end up having to throw some out. The pen refills are tiny 3ml vials and can be used up completely eliminating any waste. While the Lantus appears expensive because of the initial cost, that one purchase of insulin, if buying the 3ml vials could last you more than a year.
 
Welcome to FDMB! You have come to the right place for help with diabetes, there are so many wonderful and wise people her, with a wealth of information to share

I noticed that your vet wanted to sell you a bag of food; it really is much better for our babies to eat canned/wet food, not dry. Patés are the best, they are usually the lowest in carbohydrates. Canned foods with gravies/sauces tend to be too high in carbs. Here is a link to a food chart that shows the content of many commercial canned foods:

http://www.catinfo.org/docs/FoodChartPublic9-22-12.pdf

This list is taken from Dr. Lisa Pierson's article which contains lots of valuable information regarding cat nutrition and feeding your cat:

http://www.catinfo.org

I know it seems overwhelming when your kitty is first diagnosed, but feline diabetes is a very manageable disease. You will be amazed at how quickly you will become an "old hand" at this sugar dance! :):):)
 
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