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Felix and Irina

Felix and Irina

Member Since 2017
Hello, My cat Felix was diagnosed today (actually it's already yesterday), bg 430 at doctors office. He is 7 years old. His weight was 20-22 lbs since he was 1 y.o. , we really were struggling with him being overweight all this years, but he was pretty healthy cat on a strict diet, even though he loves food. Now he is down to 19.7 lbs. We are gradually switching from dry RD to FF classic soft food as of today. Ordered glucometer on line, it will be delivered on Wednesday. The doctor said to start him on daily 2u of Lantus, have to start in the morning with the shots. I am very anxious to give him the first injection in the morning since I don't have the glucometer yet. Doctor said not to worry since it's going to take a few days for him to adjust, but I am worried.. I am very new to this.. will really appreciate any suggestions.
 
Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. So glad you are going to home test! If you need any help in that area we can help.

If you are nervous to give the shots without the meter, then I suggest you do 1 unit for the time being... That should be safer until the meter comes. That is the suggested starting dose for lantus anyway.
 
Hi and welcome to Lantus and Levemir Land, the nicest place you never wanted to be.

I'm sorry to hear that Felix has FD. He is fairly young for this condition, but it is not unheard of in young cats. Did the vet say what he thought caused it? Being overweight? Paws crossed that if he can lose a bit more weight his BGs will come down.

Since you do not have a meter yet, I would encourage you to wait to start insulin until it arrives. Especially since you are switching from dry to low carb food. Quite often, that brings about a major reduction in BG numbers, and without being able to monitor, you risk a hypo event. Being high for a few more days is much safer than that. We have had kitties that went into remission upon being switched to Low Carb wet food - it can make that big of a difference.

What kind of meter did you order? Human or pet? You will find that most of the information here is based on using a human meter. That is because many people cannot afford the strips for a pet meter. That doesn't mean you can't use our protocols, but I just wanted to let you know the pet meter makes it a little more complicated. Also, keep in mind that you can't just run to the drug store for strips with a pet meter like you can with a human one. Many people here use the Relion meters, which are available at Walmart, as are the strips.

Have you had a chance to read the stickies at the top of the Lantus & Levemir page? If not, I encourage you to do so, as it will help you to understand what is happening to Felix and how to deal with it. There is a lot of information there, and it can be very overwhelming, so please ask lots of questions. We love to help!

We have two different methods that the members here follow, Tight Regulation and Start Low Go Slow. If you chose to follow TR, here is how to figure your starting dose:

The weight based formula for determining a starting dose of Lantus or Levemir when following the Tight Regulation Protocol:
  • the formula is 0.25 unit per kg of the cat's ideal weight
  • if kitty is underweight, the formula frequently used is 0.25 unit per kg of kitty's actual weight
  • if the cat was previously on another insulin, the starting dose should be increased or decreased by taking prior data into consideration
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For Felix that would be 2.25 units, so the vet was pretty accurate with the starting dose.

If you chose to follow SLGS, the starting dose is .5 units, regardless of weight, if kitty has been switched to low carb food.

Please read the two stickies about these methods and see which one fits your lifestyle and schedule best. TR is more aggressive and more likely to bring about a remission, but SLGS can also lead to kitty getting "off the juice" eventually.

Here is a post we put together for new members to help them get comfortable with our site: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/updated-tips-for-new-members.173572/ It includs a slang dictionary and instructions for setting up the spreadsheet we use to track kitty's BGs. Again, please ask questions! You will find the members here to be very knowledgable and helpful. Quite a few of us have many years of experience with FD, some of us with more than one cat. We like to pay it forward, because someone helped us when we were new at this.

We're glad you found us and we look forward to helping you and Felix.
 
Hi there and welcome to the best place you never wanted to be.

I agree with Trisha that I wouldn't start the insulin until your meter arrives and you can test and make sure he is safe.

If you need help setting up the Spread Sheet, just yell and someone will help you with that. It is a great tool to have so that you can see patterns and trends also, it allows the people here to look and help you with dosing questions.

Good job transitioning Felix to low carb wet food, and as Trisha mentioned numbers can come down significantly when a low carb diet starts and that is another good reason to wait until your meter arrives before starting insulin.
 
Welcome Irina and Felix!
Don't be alarmed about him getting diabetes at only 7 years old. I did a lot of reading when my boy was diagnosed at 8 1/2 years old and found a lot of sources that said the average age for FD diagnosis is 6-9 years old. Kind of like middle age for kitties and similar statistics for people, 30's - 40's. I agree with the other suggestions and hold off starting insulin since you are:
  1. Switching to FF low carb diet
  2. Waiting for your glucometer
Some of the other questions Tricia asked can be put in your Signature and members will be able to help more if you setup a Spreadsheet to track and share Felix's BG (blood glucose) numbers. HERE is a link to understanding the spreadsheet (SS) too.

Keep in mind that diagnosis BG of 430 can be stressed influenced so his real BG number could be 100 points less. While still higher than a non diabetic, it reflects the added importance of home testing, where he is more comfortable and not so stressed (even as you get started ;)). The numbers should be much more accurate. Additionally, the reason to suggest waiting to start insulin is the diet change can also have a great impact on BG so we'd want to see how that plays out first, which can take only a few days to about a week :).
 
Welcome. :bighug:

Lots to absorb and learn. Don't feel overwhelmed :bighug: Lots of us have been where you are right now. Keep asking questions and posting a daily condo (that's what we call our daily threads).

I agree with not starting the insulin until you can test, especially with transitioning to the wet, LC (low carb) food.

Here is a link to the on line food database. You want to stay under 10% carbs.

http://catinfo.org/chart/index.php
 
Hello and welcome. Love black and white kitties. :) You have reached the best place you never wanted to be.

Did Felix have anything else going on with him at diagnosis? Infection, bad teeth, on any meds? You will be glad you are switching him to wet food. That's much better for cats than RD. Back in the day before my diabetic girl made me learn about nutrition, I worked part time at the local shelter. We had a room full of fatties on RD. Not a single cat lost weight. :banghead:

If you are keen to start insulin, you can always pop into the local pharmacy and get a human meter. If nothing else, it can be used as a backup to the one you ordered. It is always good to have a backup meter. We have heard lots of amusing stories about meters being microwaved, dropped in fountains by tail swishing, etc. :p If you tell us which country you are in, we might have suggestions for meters. Look for one that requires just a small blood drop. And most important, reasonable cost of test strips.

Due to the nature of the Lantus depot, it usually takes a few days for the depot to build and start seeing better numbers, but every once in a while we have a kitty that has a strong initial reaction to insulin so we suggest starting insulin when you can monitor more closely. We have a saying here, ECID, or each cat is different. Each cat needs however much insulin they need, and we have large cats on small doses and small cats on large doses. It's much easier to start on a lower dose of insulin and work your way up than finding yourself with an overdosed cat while you are still learning how to home test.

Speaking of which, make sure you have some high carb wet food stashed away. The fancy Feast gravy lovers are one such option as long as your cat can handle the wheat in gravy.
 
Welcome. If you live near a Walmart many here use the Relion Micro or Prime and the meter comes with all you need to start. The strips cost less than half the price of the pet meters and the protocols here were written using human meters. I didn't test at first because I was afraid of hurting Max. Instead my vet had me come to his office every few days to check until he convinced me to test. Wish I had tested right away.
 
TempestsMum said:
Just tagging a couple of people who use it for you, it's quiet here this time of day/night. It's still 9.30am for me in Ireland they should be around later
@Yong @Kris & Teasel
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Thank you
Irina3612 said:
Hello, My cat Felix was diagnosed today (actually it's already yesterday), bg 430 at doctors office. He is 7 years old. His weight was 20-22 lbs since he was 1 y.o. , we really were struggling with him being overweight all this years, but he was pretty healthy cat on a strict diet, even though he loves food. Now he is down to 19.7 lbs. We are gradually switching from dry RD to FF classic soft food as of today. Ordered glucometer on line, it will be delivered on Wednesday. The doctor said to start him on daily 2u of Lantus, have to start in the morning with the shots. I am very anxious to give him the first injection in the morning since I don't have the glucometer yet. Doctor said not to worry since it's going to take a few days for him to adjust, but I am worried.. I am very new to this.. will really appreciate any suggestions.
Click to expand...
 
Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey said:
Hi and welcome to Lantus and Levemir Land, the nicest place you never wanted to be.

I'm sorry to hear that Felix has FD. He is fairly young for this condition, but it is not unheard of in young cats. Did the vet say what he thought caused it? Being overweight? Paws crossed that if he can lose a bit more weight his BGs will come down.

Since you do not have a meter yet, I would encourage you to wait to start insulin until it arrives. Especially since you are switching from dry to low carb food. Quite often, that brings about a major reduction in BG numbers, and without being able to monitor, you risk a hypo event. Being high for a few more days is much safer than that. We have had kitties that went into remission upon being switched to Low Carb wet food - it can make that big of a difference.

What kind of meter did you order? Human or pet? You will find that most of the information here is based on using a human meter. That is because many people cannot afford the strips for a pet meter. That doesn't mean you can't use our protocols, but I just wanted to let you know the pet meter makes it a little more complicated. Also, keep in mind that you can't just run to the drug store for strips with a pet meter like you can with a human one. Many people here use the Relion meters, which are available at Walmart, as are the strips.

Have you had a chance to read the stickies at the top of the Lantus & Levemir page? If not, I encourage you to do so, as it will help you to understand what is happening to Felix and how to deal with it. There is a lot of information there, and it can be very overwhelming, so please ask lots of questions. We love to help!

We have two different methods that the members here follow, Tight Regulation and Start Low Go Slow. If you chose to follow TR, here is how to figure your starting dose:

For Felix that would be 2.25 units, so the vet was pretty accurate with the starting dose.

If you chose to follow SLGS, the starting dose is .5 units, regardless of weight, if kitty has been switched to low carb food.

Please read the two stickies about these methods and see which one fits your lifestyle and schedule best. TR is more aggressive and more likely to bring about a remission, but SLGS can also lead to kitty getting "off the juice" eventually.

Here is a post we put together for new members to help them get comfortable with our site: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/updated-tips-for-new-members.173572/ It includs a slang dictionary and instructions for setting up the spreadsheet we use to track kitty's BGs. Again, please ask questions! You will find the members here to be very knowledgable and helpful. Quite a few of us have many years of experience with FD, some of us with more than one cat. We like to pay it forward, because someone helped us when we were new at this.

We're glad you found us and we look forward to helping you and Felix.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much!
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Hello and welcome. Love black and white kitties. :) You have reached the best place you never wanted to be.

Did Felix have anything else going on with him at diagnosis? Infection, bad teeth, on any meds? You will be glad you are switching him to wet food. That's much better for cats than RD. Back in the day before my diabetic girl made me learn about nutrition, I worked part time at the local shelter. We had a room full of fatties on RD. Not a single cat lost weight. :banghead:

If you are keen to start insulin, you can always pop into the local pharmacy and get a human meter. If nothing else, it can be used as a backup to the one you ordered. It is always good to have a backup meter. We have heard lots of amusing stories about meters being microwaved, dropped in fountains by tail swishing, etc. :p If you tell us which country you are in, we might have suggestions for meters. Look for one that requires just a small blood drop. And most important, reasonable cost of test strips.

Due to the nature of the Lantus depot, it usually takes a few days for the depot to build and start seeing better numbers, but every once in a while we have a kitty that has a strong initial reaction to insulin so we suggest starting insulin when you can monitor more closely. We have a saying here, ECID, or each cat is different. Each cat needs however much insulin they need, and we have large cats on small doses and small cats on large doses. It's much easier to start on a lower dose of insulin and work your way up than finding yourself with an overdosed cat while you are still learning how to home test.

Speaking of which, make sure you have some high carb wet food stashed away. The fancy Feast gravy lovers are one such option as long as your cat can handle the wheat in gravy.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for the info and support! Felix does not have any other health problems at this point. Which human meter would you recommend that requires smaller amount of blood? My father has a one touch that we will pick up today just to check Felix 's bg and try it out.
 
The Onetouch is a good meter as far as comparing with the labs. My vet uses that in her office. However, it does require a bit larger blood drop that some of the others. I am in Canada, so cannot speak to what is available in the US, other than Walmart's Relion Conform or Mini. Both take 1/3 the size of blood drop of the Onetouch and the test strips are cheaper. I think people have gotten some from Target that are also good priced strips.
 
Welcome! The Walmart Relion Confirm is an excellent meter and the strips are reasonably priced. If you prefer to order your diabeties supplies online, the place where most of us go is ADW Diabetes (American Diabetes Wholesale). The Arkray Glucocard 01 meter they sell is the same meter as the Walmart Relion Confirm (Walmart just puts its brand name on it). You can get good "package" deals at ADW. Here is the best buy on the Glucocard 01: free meter kit and 200 strips: https://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/4045/arkray-glucocard-01-blood-glucose-monitoring-kit

Read the "stickies" (info. posts at the top of the forum) and ask any questions you like!

Again, welcome!
 
Irina3612 said:
Hello, My cat Felix was diagnosed today (actually it's already yesterday), bg 430 at doctors office. He is 7 years old. His weight was 20-22 lbs since he was 1 y.o. , we really were struggling with him being overweight all this years, but he was pretty healthy cat on a strict diet, even though he loves food. Now he is down to 19.7 lbs. We are gradually switching from dry RD to FF classic soft food as of today. Ordered glucometer on line, it will be delivered on Wednesday. The doctor said to start him on daily 2u of Lantus, have to start in the morning with the shots. I am very anxious to give him the first injection in the morning since I don't have the glucometer yet. Doctor said not to worry since it's going to take a few days for him to adjust, but I am worried.. I am very new to this.. will really appreciate any suggestions.
Click to expand...
After we switch completely to LC wet food, any idea on how many cans a day my cat can have? ( I am talking about those small FF cans)., considering that he is nearly 20lbs now
 
Irina3612 said:
After we switch completely to LC wet food, any idea on how many cans a day my cat can have? ( I am talking about those small FF cans)., considering that he is nearly 20lbs now
Click to expand...
I would start with 4 and see how it goes. It's hard to judge if it's enough by the cat's reaction, as an unregulated diabetic cat is pretty much always hungry. Also, it's a good idea, especially with a diabetic cat, to spread the meals out through the first half of the insulin cycle (the first 6 hours). I don't know what your feeding schedule is now, but smaller meals more often is easier on the pancreas. Plus, it helps even out the blood glucose levels.
 
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