Just Diagnosed

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Ann65

Ann65

Member Since 2017
Hello everyone, My 10 year old boy, Tommy, has been diagnosed with diabetes. His BG is 305 and vet put him on 1 unit of Vetsulin. I am new to diabetes, and have many questions.
I have been feeding him Fancy Feast. Is this ok to continue? If not, what brands are acceptable?
What time is best to give insulin? He eats 4 times a day. 6 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Is it best to wait 20 - 30 minutes after he has eaten to give the insulin?
What treats are good to give him? He has been loving Temptations. I have a feeling I can't give that now.
Could I give a supplement such as https://www.petwellbeing.com/products/cat-diabetes
thank you and if you can think of anything else I many need, please let me know.

Nancy & Tommy
 
two postings hit close to same time with same title, I think yours got missed -- another newbie answering you, this may bump yours up to top so you get more advice from experienced users

am sure you will get immediate advice to set up a signature line and a spreadsheet -- it's under the help and tech support forum

Fancy Feast classic pates are great -- also see the chart for carb % etc for most canned food -- https://catinfo.org/docs/CatFoodProteinFatCarbPhosphorusChart.pdf

you're on Vetsulin as am I -- yes, a mini meal half an hour before insulin is wise

Temptations are way too high carb (good to save on hand if there's a possibility of hypoglycemia) -- Catcat is getting dried whole sardines, bonito flakes (cheaper at Oriental grocery since it's people food), and catnip, for treats after poking and testing

you'll need ketone test strips if you don't have them already --

is your vet comfortable with home testing of the blood glucose -- even if not, DO it -- before any insulin, this is crucial

most everyone on here uses human-targeted glucometers -- many vets tell you to use the Alpha Trak pet meter but the test strips are far more expensive, and the protocols recommended here refer to the advertised-for-humans meters; wise to check to see how large a blood droplet is required for the one you look at; the one Walmart is currently selling is reasonable

I'll be hanging around most of the day, checking in every so often, but remember I've been at this only about a month, ask away
 
since nobody else has clicked in (after all it's Memorial Day holiday weekend for the US) -- I'm quoting another answer to an introduction:

Can we get you to start keeping track of your numbers with our spreadsheet? We're very data driven here and really depend on seeing the numbers.

Here are Instructions on getting the FDMB spreadsheet but if you need help, feel free to ask -- (varying from quote as I don't know if that member is online today)

It will also help for you to fill out your "Signature"....if you click on your sign on name (top right of the page) you can choose "Signature".....a new box will open for you to enter information.

We like to have things like:

Your name/Cat's name, age, sex, date of diagnosis, type of insulin, type of meter, type of food, any other health issues or medications? and a general location (whatever you're comfortable with)

Then when you have your spreadsheet link, you put that in there too!

That way we don't have to keep asking the same questions over and over again.
 
Hi Ann and Tommy, and welcome to FDMB. Yes, it's a holiday weekend and there may not be as many members looking in as usual. Candy has offered some very good suggestions about getting the signature and spreadsheet set up, and her advice about home testing is on point. It's the best way for you to see how the insulin is working for Tommy, real time. Even though it's a bit of a learning curve at first, it's the very best way to keep Tommy safe from insulin overdose or hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
You can begin learning more about Vetsulin here: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-caninsulin-vetsulin.186099/
The Getting Started and Education sections on the Home page provide basic feline diabetes information. The FAQs forum has information about what a hypoglycemic event is and what to do, as well as links to various subjects about home testing for example. The more you know, the better off you and Tommy will be. Knowledge is power.
We will help with questions, concerns and issues. We were all new at one time, and remember well just how bewildering it can feel.
 
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Welcome, and you are in the right place! Testing: I use a ReLion Prime (human) meter & strips from Walmart. Very reliable; sometimes I re-check if I get a surprising number, and it's always the same. The meter & strips are very inexpensive. When testing I always cuddle him and give him treats (freeze dried meat). Keep posting!
 
Thank you everyone! I will indeed set up the spread sheet and will read the link provided on vetsulin. Unfortunately on Tuesday, I will be having a total right knee replacement, so you will not hear from me for about a week. I do have Tommy all set up with hubby and family members to see he gets what he needs along with another trip to the vet in a weeks time. I will have the Alpha Trax machine coming and when it arrives I will need help in its use. Where to prick for blood and so on, but please bare with me. Will take me a bit of time here. Thank you for all your help. I truly appreciate it.
 
Your little Tommy is so cute; I love those big beautiful eyes! Whenever you'll be ready, just post your questions and we'll help!
Hope everything will go fine for your surgery!:)
 
Ann65 said:
Thank you everyone! I will indeed set up the spread sheet and will read the link provided on vetsulin. Unfortunately on Tuesday, I will be having a total right knee replacement, so you will not hear from me for about a week. I do have Tommy all set up with hubby and family members to see he gets what he needs along with another trip to the vet in a weeks time. I will have the Alpha Trax machine coming and when it arrives I will need help in its use. Where to prick for blood and so on, but please bare with me. Will take me a bit of time here. Thank you for all your help. I truly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Good luck with your surgery! I hope you heal quickly!! Welcome
 
Ann65 said:
Thank you everyone! I will indeed set up the spread sheet and will read the link provided on vetsulin. Unfortunately on Tuesday, I will be having a total right knee replacement, so you will not hear from me for about a week. I do have Tommy all set up with hubby and family members to see he gets what he needs along with another trip to the vet in a weeks time. I will have the Alpha Trax machine coming and when it arrives I will need help in its use. Where to prick for blood and so on, but please bare with me. Will take me a bit of time here. Thank you for all your help. I truly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
I use an Alphatrak. Great meter. If you want to save money on strips you can use freestyle insulinx strips with it. I have found them to be very accurate. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.
 
JanetNJ said:
I use an Alphatrak. Great meter. If you want to save money on strips you can use freestyle insulinx strips with it. I have found them to be very accurate. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.
Click to expand...
that video was super helpful. I am waiting for machine to come in which a friend is giving me brand new. I just need to buy strips and I will use those you have recommended. Thank you. Janet, may I message you should I have any questions?
 
Ann65 said:
that video was super helpful. I am waiting for machine to come in which a friend is giving me brand new. I just need to buy strips and I will use those you have recommended. Thank you. Janet, may I message you should I have any questions?
Click to expand...
Of course. This is a chart showing how the insulinx compares
FB87C2BA-F7A9-4A17-98E1-EC8962073A45.png
 
Ann65 said:
that video was super helpful. I am waiting for machine to come in which a friend is giving me brand new. I just need to buy strips and I will use those you have recommended. Thank you. Janet, may I message you should I have any questions?
Click to expand...
BTW, if you order alpha through Adwdiabetes.com there's a10% off code "missu10". Through Amazon you can get a little off through the ibotta app. EBay often has good deals on freestyle insulinx strips.
 
Hello everyone, Back from knee replacement and doing ok. Home now. Trying to get back to the group, but it’s been a bit hard. Tommy seems to be holding on ok. Eating good but it’s the insulin that concerns me. Because of all the crazy things going on here, he does not get it at the same time each day. sometimes with the 3rd feeding and sometimes with the 4th. His breath is still a bit sweet smelling and I am thinking he will be getting two doses of vetsulin. I will make his appointment today for hubby to get him there. Just wanted to let you all know, I am doing best I can all things considered. Will let you all know when and how appointment goes.
 
I also wanted to ask, did Dr Pierson come out with her new food list. I thought I read something about that here. If so, where and how do I get to it?
 
breath sweet smelling? are you testing for ketones? could be absolutely crucial !!!
if you don't have the ketostrips, RUN don't walk, to pharmacy, big box store, whatever, and get them
several techniques for collecting urine -- try one, try them all -- please don't delay
 
CandyH and Catcat said:
breath sweet smelling? are you testing for ketones? could be absolutely crucial !!!
if you don't have the ketostrips, RUN don't walk, to pharmacy, big box store, whatever, and get them
several techniques for collecting urine -- try one, try them all -- please don't delay
Click to expand...
He had sweet breath when dxd, and now a bit less but still there. I do have ketone strips and will try and test. I am sorry but with a total knee replacement, it is very difficult. Vet has me on hold now for another appointment to recheck. His treatment now is only one unit of vetsulin daily
 
understand the difficulty ! :bighug: is there someone else who could retrieve the sample for you? using the crumpled plastic wrap, or lentils in the (temporary replacement) litter box technique? --- wouldn't it be nice to be able to command "hey cat, pee here!" -- with box on a bench or table or platform ... :cool:
 
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