3/15 New Member/First Post PattyandBuddy

[PattyandBuddy]

Hi all,

My name is Patty and I have a male Tabby named Buddy. We live in Sunny San Diego. I believe Buddy is around 12 years old. My husband and I have had him since 2014 after we found him on the street. His chip was scanned and the previous owner no longer wanted him . He has been with us since and we love him tons....he's a pretty chill little guy.

Buddy was mainly on a dry kibble diet and got up to 17 pounds. Our vet recommended diet food and warned us he could get diabetic but the vet never suggested a test at the time. After a rapid weight loss (he's currently 14 pounds) and frequent urination/thirst I called my vet and asked for a blood test.

His blood results just recently came back as diabetic. Here are the vet's results and recommendations:

GLUCOSE 299
Glucose in urine2+
HillsSDMDcannedanddry
Glargine u-100 1 unit every 12hrs
MeasureBGcurvefirstday

After reading information on here I have stopped all dry food and I have him on a wet food only diet (now fancy feast classic).

I am going to try a second glucose curve tomorrow as our first one was kind of a disaster.
Rite Aide pharmacy gave us the Lantus Glargine pen ($99) and 34g needles. The needle bent so I am not even sure if he got a proper dose..it's hard to tell with the pen.
I asked for a bottle and syringes instead as it seems like it could be easier to tell if he's getting the dose but got quoted $300 for the bottle.....yikes....so it's back to the pen.... I asked for a stronger needle today that would not bend and they gave me a 32g to try.

Any tips on the pen and needle size please let me know!

This has been a whirlwind of learning in a short period of time. Is it possible Buddy could ever go into remission? Once they get down to a good weight does their body produce insulin again? That is one thing I am unclear about.

Thank you!

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Welcome. You can get a regular insulin syringe (3/30 cc/30 unit with 31 gauge (or 30 if you want0 needle and stick that in the end of the pens where the pen needle goes and drawout the insulin like you would from an insulin vial. With most cat having a low dose, you normally can use up a whole pen (3ml) before the insulin loses effectivity.
It is good that you are home testing Buddy's BG.
Most of use here recore our BGs and other stuff in a spreadsheet which other here can view. The instructions are here:
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-create-a-spreadsheet.241706/
Some cats go into remission (no longer needing insulin) after changing diet and going on insulin for a while. I have had two out of about 20 diabetic cats go in remission.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi Patty and Buddy and welcome to the forum.
Well done swapping to a low carb wet food.
Some cats can go into remission and others don’t. We can’t tell which cats will and which cats won’t. But getting Buddy onto a low carb diet and hometesting the BG, you will give him the best chance. My Sheba went into remission after three months but relapsed after 2 1/2 years after getting flares of pancreatitis. Getting him back to a good weight helps but you will need the insulin to support the pancreas….then it is up to the pancreas to see if it can heal enough to start producing insulin again.
The syringes you need are the U100 3/10 30 or 31 gauge 6 or 8 mm insulin syringes.
Setting up a spreadsheet and documenting the data into it will help us be able to help you.
If you can set up your signature as well that will tell us about Buddy
Here is a link to the spreadsheet, signature and hypo kit ( very important…so get that set up asap) HELP US HELP YOU
can you tell us what type of meter you are using please?

Here is how you can use the pen you have to get the insulin out with the use of the insulin syringe I mentioned above.

.

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Hi and welcome to the best place you never wanted to be

My cat Hendrick was recently diagnosed so this is all new to me as well. It is a bit of a learning curve as you have found but take it slow and you'll get the hang of everything soon I'm sure -- sounds like you're already doing great honestly.

I'll see you around the forums, we can be new at this together

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Welcome Patty and Buddy

• U-100 3/10cc syringes with half unit markings are the best to use for drawing Lantus, Levemir, or the Biosimilars from vials, cartridges, and pens.
• BD Ultra-Fine, CarePoint Vet, Monoject, GNP, UltiCare Vet Rx, Sure Comfort

Next time you need lantus you can get Semglee
Here is a coupon below
Just call any pharmacy to see if they have the 5 pens, they will last you a year or more
Type in where you live and you will see where you can buy it
Lantus is expensive if you live in the US
https://www.goodrx.com/semglee?dosa...rride=Semglee&quantity=1&sort_type=popularity
Semglee, it is a generic Lantus, and was approved by the FDA last June.
Some have their vet write the prescription as insulin glargine

Depending on where you buy it , it could be as low as 164.00 for 5 pens

Here is the link to read all about Lantus
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-levemir-biosimilars.9/

You can also purchase the 5 pens from Canada which a lot of members ,also great prices
Here is a post that members were talking about
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-vs-biosimilars.260721/#post-2926040

 

[PattyandBuddy]

Welcome. You can get a regular insulin syringe (3/30 cc/30 unit with 31 gauge (or 30 if you want0 needle and stick that in the end of the pens where the pen needle goes and drawout the insulin like you would from an insulin vial. With most cat having a low dose, you normally can use up a whole pen (3ml) before the insulin loses effectivity.
It is good that you are home testing Buddy's BG.
Most of use here recore our BGs and other stuff in a spreadsheet which other here can view. The instructions are here:
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-create-a-spreadsheet.241706/
Some cats go into remission (no longer needing insulin) after changing diet and going on insulin for a while. I have had two out of about 20 diabetic cats go in remission.

Hi Larry, Thank you for the information! I will review the spreadsheet. 2 out of 20 doesn't sound great.

 

[PattyandBuddy]

Hi Patty and Buddy and welcome to the forum.
Well done swapping to a low carb wet food.
Some cats can go into remission and others don’t. We can’t tell which cats will and which cats won’t. But getting Buddy onto a low carb diet and hometesting the BG, you will give him the best chance. My Sheba went into remission after three months but relapsed after 2 1/2 years after getting flares of pancreatitis. Getting him back to a good weight helps but you will need the insulin to support the pancreas….then it is up to the pancreas to see if it can heal enough to start producing insulin again.
The syringes you need are the U100 3/10 30 or 31 gauge 6 or 8 mm insulin syringes.
Setting up a spreadsheet and documenting the data into it will help us be able to help you.
If you can set up your signature as well that will tell us about Buddy
Here is a link to the spreadsheet, signature and hypo kit ( very important…so get that set up asap) HELP US HELP YOU
can you tell us what type of meter you are using please?

Here is how you can use the pen you have to get the insulin out with the use of the insulin syringe I mentioned above.
View attachment 63744

.

Hi Bron and Sheba! Thank you for the information! I am going to review the spreadsheet, signature, and hypo kit. I am not sure what those are yet but I will figure it out.
I am using the Alpha Trax to test Buddy's blood. I am already running out of the test strips because half of them were fails as a beginner. I also purchased the genteel lancing device. My Dad was nice enough to let me practice poking him first before I started doing Buddy's ears. The genteel device does not suction well on Buddy's ears but I like that I can see the blood drop. I did not like just using a lancet by itself and trying to poke skin myself...I was much too nervous doing it that way.

 

[PattyandBuddy]

Hi and welcome to the best place you never wanted to be

My cat Hendrick was recently diagnosed so this is all new to me as well. It is a bit of a learning curve as you have found but take it slow and you'll get the hang of everything soon I'm sure -- sounds like you're already doing great honestly.

I'll see you around the forums, we can be new at this together

Hi Hendrick's Mom & Dad,
Thank you for the kind words. It has been a learning curve for sure!. Alot of sighing, sweating, and praying over here..haha. I will remember to take it slow. Seeyou around!

 

[PattyandBuddy]

Welcome Patty and Buddy

• U-100 3/10cc syringes with half unit markings are the best to use for drawing Lantus, Levemir, or the Biosimilars from vials, cartridges, and pens.
• BD Ultra-Fine, CarePoint Vet, Monoject, GNP, UltiCare Vet Rx, Sure Comfort

Next time you need lantus you can get Semglee
Here is a coupon below
Just call any pharmacy to see if they have the 5 pens, they will last you a year or more
Type in where you live and you will see where you can buy it
Lantus is expensive if you live in the US
https://www.goodrx.com/semglee?dosa...rride=Semglee&quantity=1&sort_type=popularity
Semglee, it is a generic Lantus, and was approved by the FDA last June.
Some have their vet write the prescription as insulin glargine

Depending on where you buy it , it could be as low as 164.00 for 5 pens

Here is the link to read all about Lantus
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-levemir-biosimilars.9/

You can also purchase the 5 pens from Canada which a lot of members ,also great prices
Here is a post that members were talking about
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-vs-biosimilars.260721/#post-2926040

Hi Diane! Thank you for all those links and information. Those are extremely helpful. <3 Next time I will ask my vet for semglee or order from Canada. Does Costco take good rx for lantus? I wonder if I can get some kind of discount/refund at this point.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hi Diane! Thank you for all those links and information. Those are extremely helpful. <3 Next time I will ask my vet for semglee or order from Canada. Does Costco take good rx for lantus? I wonder if I can get some kind of discount/refund at this point.

Hi Patty I just did a search engine n our site and put in Costco and found this posted by a member

I did find out my local Costco can get Semglee 5 (3ml) pens at $121.00 and it’ll take 1-2 days…

So I would give Costco a call
If you notice up top there is a spot that says search , you can type something in there that you might be looking for and a lot of posts that members did will come up

Looking at what I posted above which is
Next time you need lantus you can get Semglee
Here is a coupon below
Just call any pharmacy to see if they have the 5 pens, they will last you a year or more
Type in where you live and you will see where you can buy it
Lantus is expensive if you live in the US
https://www.goodrx.com/semglee?dosa...rride=Semglee&quantity=1&sort_type=popularity
Semglee, it is a generic Lantus, and was approved by the FDA last June.
Some have their vet write the prescription as insulin glargine

Costco is on that list of stores , just type in where you live and see how much they charge

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I am using the Alpha Trax to test Buddy's blood. I am already running out of the test strips because half of them were fails as a beginner

Patty I'm sure you know how expensive those strips are, In the beginning I used the Alpha Trak , the price for the test strips were killing me.
I switched to a human meter , that's what most of us use here and that's what our numbers are based on. I just told my vet I couldn't afford the test strips anymore

You can go to Walmart and get The Relion Premier Classic meter for 9 dollars
The test strips are 17.88 for 100 strips
At least you can run to Walmart and pick them up
I've even ordered them on line and got them in about 2-3 days
Just a suggestion to save you some money

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

The genteel device does not suction well on Buddy's ears but I like that I can see the blood drop. I did not like just using a lancet by itself and trying to poke skin myself...I was much too nervous doing it that way.

In case you ever want to try testing freehand using the lancet by itself
Always aim for the sweet spot warm the ears up first, you can put rice in a sock and put it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to be sure it's not to hot, like you would test a babies bottle. You can fill a pill bottle with warm water and roll it on the ears also.Just keep rubbing the ears with your fingers to warm them up

6. As the ears get used to bleeding and grow more capilares, it gets easier to get the amount of blood you need on the first try. If he won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.
When you do get some blood you can try milking the ear.
Get you finger and gently push up toward the blood , more will appear
You will put the cotton round behind his ear in case you poke your finger, after you are done testing you will fold the cotton round over his ear to stop the bleeding , press gently for about 20 seconds until it stops
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets
A lot of us use the lancets to test freehand
I find it better to see where I'm aiming
You can also put a thin layer of vaseline on the ear ,to help the blood bead up

Here is a video one of our members did
VIDEO: How to test your cat's blood sugar

 

[PattyandBuddy]

Patty I'm sure you know how expensive those strips are, In the beginning I used the Alpha Trak , the price for the test strips were killing me.
I switched to a human meter , that's what most of us use here and that's what our numbers are based on. I just told my vet I couldn't afford the test strips anymore

You can go to Walmart and get The Relion Premier Classic meter for 9 dollars
The test strips are 17.88 for 100 strips
At least you can run to Walmart and pick them up
I've even ordered them on line and got them in about 2-3 days
Just a suggestion to save you some money

Hi Diane,
Thank you so much! I was just about to ask about a cheaper meter. I just bought more AlphaTrax strips off Amazon yesterday and they are suppose to arrive Tuesday..yes very expensive...so far I am not a pro with the strips and I can sometimes waste 2 or 3 strips in one session.

Do you have a link about using the Relion with a cat? My understanding is the aplhatrax is callibrated for a cat and the Relion is not? I am going to run to walmart and pick it up today!

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Do you have a link about using the Relion with a cat? My nderstanding is the aplhatrax is callibrated for a cat and the Relion is not? I am going to run to walmart and pick it up today!

using a Relion with a cat is the same as using any other human meter with a cat, and essentially the same as using an Alpha Trak 2 -- I have a link in my signature of a test using a human meter. We started out using an Alpha Trak 2 and then switched to a human meter and it's really no different: poke the ear, get a droplet, put the strip to the droplet.

I have learned that the so-called "calibration" doesn't seem to amount to much in practice. Alpha Trak 2 numbers are a little higher than human meter numbers, that's all. And with lower blood-glucose numbers and higher numbers, the difference is less.

 

[PattyandBuddy]

Hi Hendrix's Mom

using a Relion with a cat is the same as using any other human meter with a cat, and essentially the same as using an Alpha Trak 2 -- I have a link in my signature of a test using a human meter. We started out using an Alpha Trak 2 and then switched to a human meter and it's really no different: poke the ear, get a droplet, put the strip to the droplet.

I have learned that the so-called "calibration" doesn't seem to amount to much in practice. Alpha Trak 2 numbers are a little higher than human meter numbers, that's all. And with lower blood-glucose numbers and higher numbers, the difference is less.

Thank you for that information. I figured the "calibration" wouldn't seem to amount to much. I just came home with the Reli on meter. It's pretty nifty but I forgot to get the control solution drops to test if the meter is working correctly. Mine didn't come with it. Did you buy the test drops separately from Walmart?

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Hi Hendrix's Mom


Thank you for that information. I figured the "calibration" wouldn't seem to amount to much. I just came home with the Reli on meter. It's pretty nifty but I forgot to get the control solution drops to test if the meter is working correctly. Mine didn't come with it. Did you buy the test drops separately from Walmart?

I don't have a Relion sorry

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Did you buy the test drops separately from Walmart?

The Relion is a self-coding meter so they don't include control solution. The only way you can get it is to call Relion and they'll send you some.

What we usually recommend if you think your meter is wonky is to test yourself (or another willing victim..err volunteer) As long as you're not diabetic, that should tell you that the meter is working fine.

 

[PattyandBuddy]

The Relion is a self-coding meter so they don't include control solution. The only way you can get it is to call Relion and they'll send you some.

What we usually recommend if you think your meter is wonky is to test yourself (or another willing victim..err volunteer) As long as you're not diabetic, that should tell you that the meter is working fine.

Great idea, Thanks! I thought it had to be only their specific solution and I was out of luck.