Munchie from MA

[MunchieMA]

Hello, my name is Julia and my 10-year-old neutered boy, Munchie, was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus this weekend. I noticed he was drinking and urinating a lot more than normal, and was not urinating inside his liter box- rather just in front of it on the floor which has never happened before. After bringing him to the vet, they tested his blood sugar which came back 411, and told me that normal level would be 80-100. He also had to be treated for a UTI, which they explained was common with diabetic cats.
I began my first insulin treatment yesterday morning, and he has so far had 3 treatments. He is taking 1 unit of Prozinc twice a day. I just got the things from a shopping list that was kindly shared with me on the feline diabetes Facebook page, but I have yet to give him his first test (I came here looking for some instructions- I'm a little intimidated by it!). I never realized how much different wet foods can vary in nutritional elements. I always gave him fancy feast twice a day, and he grazed on purina dry food for indoor cats. I realize now how terrible dry food is- whereas I thought it was the wet food that was more "junk food." So here we are.

I was feeling terribly overwhelmed and sad at first, I thought this was a death sentence and I thought our time together would quickly end with him getting sicker and sicker. However, his bloodworm came back good and I am realizing that this is manageable and may even end after diet change and proper treatment... I've already talked to two people who's cats both beat their diabetes diagnosis. So here we are- staying hopeful and trying to be as informed as possible to keep my fluffy baby feeling healthy and happy.

 

[Sharon14]

Hi Julia, welcome to you and Munchie! So glad you are going to home test. It’s easy to learn and really the only way to keep Munchie safe and know how well the insulin is working. HERE is some info on testing. Check it out and ask any questions on the Main Health Forum

 

[JanetNJ]

Hello, my name is Julia and my 10-year-old neutered boy, Munchie, was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus this weekend. I noticed he was drinking and urinating a lot more than normal, and was not urinating inside his liter box- rather just in front of it on the floor which has never happened before. After bringing him to the vet, they tested his blood sugar which came back 411, and told me that normal level would be 80-100. He also had to be treated for a UTI, which they explained was common with diabetic cats.
I began my first insulin treatment yesterday morning, and he has so far had 3 treatments. He is taking 1 unit of Prozinc twice a day. I just got the things from a shopping list that was kindly shared with me on the feline diabetes Facebook page, but I have yet to give him his first test (I came here looking for some instructions- I'm a little intimidated by it!). I never realized how much different wet foods can vary in nutritional elements. I always gave him fancy feast twice a day, and he grazed on purina dry food for indoor cats. I realize now how terrible dry food is- whereas I thought it was the wet food that was more "junk food." So here we are.

I was feeling terribly overwhelmed and sad at first, I thought this was a death sentence and I thought our time together would quickly end with him getting sicker and sicker. However, his bloodworm came back good and I am realizing that this is manageable and may even end after diet change and proper treatment... I've already talked to two people who's cats both beat their diabetes diagnosis. So here we are- staying hopeful and trying to be as informed as possible to keep my fluffy baby feeling healthy and happy.

Welcome! It's not a death sentence. Most cats on here eventually get nicely regulated, and quite a few achieve remission. My cat was in remission for a year until 4 months ago. We can help with home testing. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC.

 

[nmveasey]

Hi Julia! There is a lot of great information here and everyone is so helpful. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the diagnosis. Stay positive, educate yourself, and ask questions. You and Munchie are in good hands!