New to the group - starting insulin today!

[Johanna & Biggs]

Hi All,

My guy Biggs just got diagnosed last week. It took me about a week to recover and get mentally prepared for what's next. He's been losing weight and drinking lots of water, though he's always been pretty obsessed with water so I didn't pick up on it right away.

I'm going to the vet this afternoon to learn about shots and testing glucose at home, and I'm still a bit uneasy. I know things will get better and this group has already helped me so much.

I was pleasantly surprised when my vet essentially confirmed what I was reading here:
- change diet to wet food
- start on Lantus 2 units 2x/day (that seems a bit high? But he's a 13 lb cat and his diagnosis number was 435)
- test glucose at home

She also wants me to bring Biggs in for a glucose curve in a few weeks, but I'm hesitating on that since I know that will really break the bank.

I'm relieved to have found this group, and one day I hope to pay it forward.

 

[FurBabiesMama]

Welcome! He has a sweet face. 2 units does seem like a high starting dose. 1 unit is the normal starting dose. If you are willing to test at home, you should not have to take him to the vet for curves. You can do that at home. It will save you money, and it will be more accurate since his numbers will not be inflated from the stress of being at the vet.

Post any questions you have on the main health forum. You will get a lot of advice and support here.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Welcome to you and your very cute kitty!

 

[Sandi and Toby]

Welcome!

Odd that your vet recommends home testing but not home curves. It seems like they usually want all or nothing. But at least they are open to the idea-- many actively "forbid" (giant air quotes) it. So convincing her that you simply can't/won't bring Biggs in for a curve shouldn't be hard.

Biggs is certainly cute, but I have to ask...is he:

1) true to his name and REALLY GIGANTIC, or
2) is that a teensy weensy wine bottle, or
3) is my sense of visual perspective really on the blink?

Regardless, read other people's questions, look at cats' spreadsheets, and it will hopefully start to sink in, but do NOT hesitate to ask as many questions as much as you need to!

Best,
Sandi.

 

[Johanna & Biggs]

Welcome!

Odd that your vet recommends home testing but not home curves. It seems like they usually want all or nothing. But at least they are open to the idea-- many actively "forbid" (giant air quotes) it. So convincing her that you simply can't/won't bring Biggs in for a curve shouldn't be hard.

Biggs is certainly cute, but I have to ask...is he:

1) true to his name and REALLY GIGANTIC, or
2) is that a teensy weensy wine bottle, or
3) is my sense of visual perspective really on the blink?

Regardless, read other people's questions, look at cats' spreadsheets, and it will hopefully start to sink in, but do NOT hesitate to ask as many questions as much as you need to!

Best,
Sandi.

In that picture, he's probably around 17 lbs or so. But the camera angle is funny - making the wine look really small!

My goal today is to set up the spreadsheet. I home tested him last night for the first time, so I'm feeling confident I can do it now. Thanks again!

 

[Sandi and Toby]

That's great, you and Biggs will be old pros at this in no time at all

We have some spreadsheet gurus around here (tho NOT me!) so if you have any questions or trouble with it just holler.

Have a great day!
Sandi.