Distraught and confused (also posted in Prozinc forum)

[Karen&Rocket]

(I also posted this in the Prozinc section; if this isn't ok please let me know and/or delete. Thank you.)

Hi all - I'm fairly new to the board, and started glucose monitoring at home just two weeks ago. I've had a terrible year so far (deaths in the family, health concerns, etc. etc.) but nothing is stressing me out more than trying to get my diabetic cat Rocket regulated. He was diagnosed early Feb., and his vet started him off at 1.5U of Prozinc every 12 hrs. He had an infection at the time, his glucose was over 450 at the office, and was not eating, so he was hospitalized for two days. Anyway back then I knew nothing really about feline diabetes... long story short, his numbers are not getting better, and his vet has slowly been increasing his dose. He's currently at 4U every 12 hrs, but his numbers are terrifying to me. I'm almost embarrassed to have anyone else see his spreadsheet, but I'm at a loss. My heart sinks every time I take his levels.

He's on a strict (low carb) wet food only diet, and has been since the second week of February. Obviously I'm concerned about something like insulin resistance and/or acromegaly, but he doesn't have any outward signs of it and his vet doesn't seem to think that's a possibility (I do realize it can be underdiagnosed). Thankfully we have an appt. on Tuesday for a second opinion with another vet who supposedly has a lot of experience with diabetes, so I'm hoping to get some more ideas/advice/guidance.

Thank you if you've read this far. I guess my main concern is, what damage are these numbers doing to Rocket right now? I'm so worried. Actually in the last few days (since our last dosage increase) his water intake seems less, and his litterbox isn't as much of a warzone, but his numbers won't budge. He still eats, and hasn't lost weight really since Feb. (hasn't gained, either). Our appointment Tuesday can't come soon enough. Any ideas or advice from any of you who have gone through a similar situation? I love this cat to pieces, and I appreciate any input more than you all know. Big hugs to all of you.

 

[Panic]

Following to see what some more experienced members have to say. Wishing you and Rocket the best of luck at your next appointment and in general! <3

 

[Margie and Jackson]

Hi and I commend you for taking such good care of your cat. You’re doing great, i don’t think you’re doing anything wrong. It can be a stubborn illness. Lots of cats take lots of time or never really do show the numbers we would like to see. My cat has had a lot of high numbers too, and it makes me feel helpless and frustrated. I actually had to take a step back and focus on his appearance and behavior. When I did that, I noticed that he was a lot better and he continues to improve. He’s gaining weight, increasing mobility and seems happier. But his numbers suck.
I hope you get answers from your new vet. But please don’t forget that you have made progress. It can be a long journey.

 

[Karen&Rocket]

Following to see what some more experienced members have to say. Wishing you and Rocket the best of luck at your next appointment and in general! <3

Thank you.

Hi and I commend you for taking such good care of your cat. You’re doing great, i don’t think you’re doing anything wrong. It can be a stubborn illness. Lots of cats take lots of time or never really do show the numbers we would like to see. My cat has had a lot of high numbers too, and it makes me feel helpless and frustrated. I actually had to take a step back and focus on his appearance and behavior. When I did that, I noticed that he was a lot better and he continues to improve. He’s gaining weight, increasing mobility and seems happier. But his numbers suck.
I hope you get answers from your new vet. But please don’t forget that you have made progress. It can be a long journey.

Thank you for your kind words. It's so easy to feel alone in this. You all help immensely.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I know how frustrating it can be to see our beloved kitties in high numbers.
Looking at your SS I'd like to comment on a couple of things.
Are you able to get any tests in during the pm cycle? Even a before bed test is good. Cats often drop lower at night and if there are no tests in the PM cycle, we have no idea if your kitty is dropping low at night and bouncing during the day.
Also we recommmend going up or down in 1/4 (0.25) unit increments so the best dose is not passed and it is much safer for the cat. I know most vets go up and down in 1 unit increments but 1 unit is a lot of insulin for a cat.
Too much insulin can look like not enough insulin.
I have seen much higher numbers in SS then your kitty. It is still early days yet. Some cats take longer than others to get regulated or even respond to the insulin. So try not to get too despondent......we can help you sort it out

 

[Karen&Rocket]

I know how frustrating it can be to see our beloved kitties in high numbers.
Looking at your SS I'd like to comment on a couple of things.
Are you able to get any tests in during the pm cycle? Even a before bed test is good. Cats often drop lower at night and if there are no tests in the PM cycle, we have no idea if your kitty is dropping low at night and bouncing during the day.
Also we recommmend going up or down in 1/4 (0.25) unit increments so the best dose is not passed and it is much safer for the cat. I know most vets go up and down in 1 unit increments but 1 unit is a lot of insulin for a cat.
Too much insulin can look like not enough insulin.
I have seen much higher numbers in SS then your kitty. It is still early days yet. Some cats take longer than others to get regulated or even respond to the insulin. So try not to get too despondent......we can help you sort it out

Thank you so much. Someone in the Prozinc forum also recommended really trying to get some overnight numbers - I work odd hours most of the time, so it'll be tricky, but I'll have to get some more readings before our appointment on Tuesday. I did get a PM+8 reading of 314 this morning, which is the lowest I've seen in a few days, so I'll def. be sure to get some earlier ones in the next couple days, and update my SS and this post. Thanks again