Newly diagnosed diabetic kitty NEW MEMBER

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Or this time when I tested him at +1 and he was 67, and then again at +1.5 where he was 58.

I stacked both BG tests in the same cell. Note that doing so means you have to manually color-code the cell

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When you do hear back from Melissa
@FrostD
And you do start the glargine be sure to make a line above the date you will start it and write Started Glargine and also state it on your signature

Meantime you might want to read about glargine (lantus)
Read all the yellow stickys
Here is the link
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-levemir-biosimilars.9/

Are you still feeding the
dry food-glycobalance?
If you are feeding any dry food even the lower ones listed above you will have to follow the dosing method SLGS you will read about the 2 dosing methods in the yellow stickys
 
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(quick FYI since I know you guys tag me a bit - house is currently down with hand foot and mouth so I'm a bit delayed in replies)

We take the current dose and trends into consideration, as well as any diet changes or health conditions. I usually recommend the caregiver posts on the Lantus forum the day before they plan to switch, just for confirmation from the true experts over there (although I used Lantus quite awhile, the others there have much more experience than I). With current data, it's probably the same dose, or possibly an increase but they'd want more data.

They will request you get preshot tests each time, I know you're working on it. The more data you can get before you switch, the better. And I would start on a day you'll be around to monitor.

When to switch is more a financial thing. If money is tight, sure use up the Vetsulin first (just don't mix up your syringes!). If not, no harm in going to Lantus right away (but be doubly sure not to mix up syringes!). When I switched, I hid the U40s in a top corner cabinet that I can't even reach, with the plan to eventually donate.

Are you still feeding glycobalance or trying to phase that out?
 
When you do hear back from Melissa
@FrostD
And you do start the glargine be sure to make a line above the date you will start it and write Started Glargine and also state it on your signature

Meantime you might want to read about glargine (lantus)
Read all the yellow stickys
Here is the link
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-levemir-biosimilars.9/

Are you still feeding the
dry food-glycobalance?
If you are feeding any dry food even the lower ones listed above you will have to follow the dosing method SLGS you will read about the 2 dosing methods in the yellow stickys

I have stopped the Glycobalance for Phoebe. The other cats like it so I mix a bit in each dry bowl. (One-eyed Jack and Snickers) Moosey likes it also ---but she is my renal cat. Not sure if she should have much, ?protein too high?
(quick FYI since I know you guys tag me a bit - house is currently down with hand foot and mouth so I'm a bit delayed in replies)

We take the current dose and trends into consideration, as well as any diet changes or health conditions. I usually recommend the caregiver posts on the Lantus forum the day before they plan to switch, just for confirmation from the true experts over there (although I used Lantus quite awhile, the others there have much more experience than I). With current data, it's probably the same dose, or possibly an increase but they'd want more data.

They will request you get preshot tests each time, I know you're working on it. The more data you can get before you switch, the better. And I would start on a day you'll be around to monitor.

When to switch is more a financial thing. If money is tight, sure use up the Vetsulin first (just don't mix up your syringes!). If not, no harm in going to Lantus right away (but be doubly sure not to mix up syringes!). When I switched, I hid the U40s in a top corner cabinet that I can't even reach, with the plan to eventually donate.

Are you still feeding glycobalance or trying to phase that out?
I have stopped the Glycobalance for Phoebe.
I will get the glargine sooner. Switch will be made when I get glargine. Checking pricing at this time.

40U Insulin syringes will be put away and the U100's gotten.

Alpha trak 2 testing strips. anyone with a good source? Very expensive.
 
@eva eva I highly recommend ditching the Alphatrak II for a human meter. We were using one of course, because the vet said that is what to get. Then the experts here asked me if I would be open to switching to a human meter like a Relion or something similar and I said sure -- if they are asking, I am saying yes

there is no need to use an Alphatrak and like you said the strips are stupid expensive. Many many members started out with the Alphatrak and then get a human meter where strips cost like $15-20 for 100 strips. You can too.
 
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I have stopped the Glycobalance for Phoebe
When did you stop the glycobalance dry, I would note that in your signature so members know that, tap on your name then tap on signature and add the date you stopped it.
Are you giving Phoebe any dry at all such as Dr Elsey's?
I agree with Kyle no need to use the Alpha Trak ,our numbers are based on human meters anyway
If you have a Walmart by you get the Relion Premier Classic human meter
Its 9 dollars
17.88 for 100 test strips
You can even order it online
@eva eva

Make sure you get the U-100 syringes with half unit markings such as
you live

https://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/1316/surecomfort-u100-syringes-half-unit-31g-3-10cc-5-16in-100ct
 
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I do have a walmart near me. I will go and pick up. does the meter require the same small drop of blood? Human meters, from my experience, tend to like a larger drop. the spring-loaded pen from alpha trak is very easy to use.
 
You can still use the lancet from the AT no problem, ReliOn makes one as well.

The human meters tend to need 0.5uL or blood, whereas the pet ones are 0.3uL. It seems a big difference at first but it's not too bad. Aim for a drop the size of a head on a pin.
 
that is true, the AT can use a very small droplet, that is one thing that is nice about it for sure. I remember when we switched we had an adjustment period where we got used to needing a slightly larger droplet.
 
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This is the response from pharmacy in Canada. I would like to know if I should get the "for pets" or the basic. Both are 5 pens with 3 ml each. I am sure they have a 2-3 year shelf life unopened.
I have the Relion --will start using it today on the PMPS. will continue to use the Vetsulin until I receive the glargine. check my SS please. have increased her to 1.25 units. She is getting to like the FF. (so are the other kitties)..... Will keep changing over all food to a better diet for all.
 
The images are broken for me, perhaps someone else will be able to see and help...it happens sometimes when I'm on my phone.
they are images for Apidra Solostar for humans and for pets. Both are 89.99. pen needles is the other image. I won't be getting them. I responded to Canada for shipping and if they will change over to the pens as my script says vial. Also asked for shipping process. I will be starting to use the RELION monitor today. Marked it on the SS in comments. I have also increased Phoebe to 1.25 U vetsulin as she still is in the red zone. She is eating well. It may be my imagination, but she tends to go up and down on her polyuria. over the night she is down.
 
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This is the response from pharmacy in Canada. I would like to know if I should get the "for pets" or the basic. Both are 5 pens with 3 ml each. I am sure they have a 2-3 year shelf life unopened.
I have the Relion --will start using it today on the PMPS. will continue to use the Vetsulin until I receive the glargine. check my SS please. have increased her to 1.25 units. She is getting to like the FF. (so are the other kitties)..... Will keep changing over all food to a better diet for all.

When I ordered generic glargine (Basaglar) from Mark's Marine it was the 'for pets' 5-pen pack

Good job on the spreadsheet! I see you are getting into a routine of doing your AMPS and PMPS, and at least one other test during the insulin cycle. Well done.

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:cat: thanks! it is a change of life for her and me.
Thanks for the receipt of the cost for shipping. Yours was the Basaglar, the listed one MM pharmacy sent was for the Apidra Solostar for pets. I am thinking this is just another generic.
I sent them an email for more information. I will stay on vetsulin till then.
 
It looks like I can get glargine from Walgreens by me cheaper than basaglar at Marks Marine in canada. 139.99+15+25+tx= 179.99+
I will order from Walgreens--it will take them a few days to get it.
Does anyone know any other pharmacy cheaper?
 
It looks like I can get glargine from Walgreens by me cheaper than basaglar at Marks Marine in canada. 139.99+15+25+tx= 179.99+
I will order from Walgreens--it will take them a few days to get it.
Does anyone know any other pharmacy cheaper?
That's a good price for 5 pens At Walgreen's go with them
I found a member posted this
One members posted this
. I paid $175 for a box of 5 pens at Walmart pharmacy, but GoodRX coupon says you can get it for around $90 if you have a Rite Aid pharmacy near you.
Also call CVS, Costco and ask
Don't forget about getting the U-100 syringes with half unit markings
Read my post #30 again , the post numbers are to the right of everyone's post
 
How long do the vials of insulin last once opened. by my calculations of 1.5 units of glargine the vial would last 22months. My learning from the vial/vet is 42 days. Although I can see from other posts 6 months or longer. Still, I feel the pens may be better for having the unopened syringe and manufacturer expiration after opening. any thoughts?
 
On my SS I make comments in the boxes on some of her numbers. it shows a little yellow colored corner when I make comment.
 
Hello! It may cost more per unit but I got my Glargine pens from an independent, local pharmacy and was able to buy just one at a time. Makes me feel like it will stay ‘fresh’ since we dose such a small amount. Something else to consider as you shop around.
 
Yes, almost all of us prefer the pens for that reason (and also in case you drop/break one, you're not SOL). We usually get about 6 months max out of a pen, just keep an eye out for floaties in there, and your data will also tell you if it's maybe losing efficacy.
 
How long do the vials of insulin last once opened. by my calculations of 1.5 units of glargine the vial would last 22months. My learning from the vial/vet is 42 days. Although I can see from other posts 6 months or longer. Still, I feel the pens may be better for having the unopened syringe and manufacturer expiration after opening. any thoughts?

I see the note on your spreadsheet that you switched to the Relion Meter
I don't think members will see that, you need to make a line above the date you switched to it and put Switched to Relion, if you don't know how to do this just ask a member will do it for you, and put it up top where you have the Alpha Trak listed
You need to put it in your signature also
Tap on your name above and then signature and put Relion as of and the date
I never heard of a vial lasting 22 months , The 42 days are just for when humans use it, the vet or pharmacy usually tells people 28 days
Go with the 5 pens , Melissa is right a pen will usually last 6 months
 
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Thank-you-- I inserted the line for the change over. I changed the monitor above in the SS.
I did math on the vial and I also have not heard of a vial lasting that long.
I adjusted the Relion on my sign

Is it safe to change all kitties (one-eyed Jack, Snickers, Eyesey, Momma-kitty, Tigger-girl,) over to a diabetic diet? Including dry food? I am testing Weruva clean protein right now.

I do have a renal kitty (Moosey-female) she is on renal cat food. she only likes some of it. She has lost weight since the start of the diet--(she was fat). She sneaks out and eats the other kitties foods at times. (Friskies shreds, meaty bits, pate, and Friskies party treats.) I cover all food at night now so Phoebe doesn't cheat.
 
we have a six-cat household and when Hendrick was diagnosed with FD, we did in fact switch the entire household to a lower carb diet, did away with all the kibble and now feed only canned or raw.
 
suggestion needed: When I have to leave the house on business. I have a friend give Phoebe her insulin. she does not check the sugar.... To protect her from hypoglycemia what do you suggest I do, as nobody is in the home other than twice a day to feed, cuddle and change litter. Currently, there is always kibble available. Not the FD kind.
 
yes --I leave for 4-7 days at a time. How long does it take to get her back in line after I return?

What Kibble have people found cats like that is ok for a diabetic cat?

Is diabetic kibble ok for a renal cat? I have read mixed reviews on the amount of phosphorus in food they should have.
 
yes --I leave for 4-7 days at a time. How long does it take to get her back in line after I return?

kinda depends on the cat and where there are at in their journey but probably at least a week



What Kibble have people found cats like that is ok for a diabetic cat?


Wysong Epigen 90 is one of the only ones out there. Young Again also is good I believe.


Low carb AND low phos is a harder combination to find. We do have a number of members who are challenged with this situation as well and can offer some info I'm sure
 
so I have the glargine and have U100 insulin syringes. I am confused. I have a 30 gauge needle U100 syringe and the marks are even smaller and there is no way to increase by .25ml increments. What have I done wrong?
Should I buy a smaller syringe? are they available? What company is out there so I can get that smaller needle and better measurable lines.? I am staying with the vetsulin till I figure this out.
 
There are no syringes that do the 0.25U gradations. You have half-unit markings, correct? We use those, the 0.25U increments are estimated between those markings.

29-31 gauge is pretty much par for the course.
 
What Kibble have people found cats like that is ok for a diabetic cat?
As far as lc dry You can try
Dr Elsey's chicken flavor and young again zero will send you samples just call them
Here are some low carb dry foods ,they are about 5 or 6% carbs
None of them are cheap
You need to order them online
Dr Elseys you can buy on chewey site
https://www.chewy.com/dr-elseys-cleanprotein-chicken/dp/146269?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12791446238&utm_content=Dr. Elsey's&utm_term=&show-search=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0PvU2Zj79wIVRIdbCh3JawEkEAQYASABEgIInfD_BwE




Young again on their web site
https://www.youngagainpetfood.com
Take a look at the young again zero or the zero mature

Dr Elsey's also at Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dr-Elsey...ViI3ICh0suwO_EAQYAiABEgJrOPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Dr Elsey's Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FCJHDPR/ref=twister_B09GHFJY65?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

the Dr Elsey's comes in different size bags
None of these can be bought in stores

Also
Wysong Epigen 90

Dr Elsey's web site
https://www.drelseys.com

Here is their web site
https://www.wysong.net/epigen
Call then see if they will send a sample
 
so I have the glargine and have U100 insulin syringes. I am confused. I have a 30 gauge needle U100 syringe and the marks are even smaller and there is no way to increase by .25ml increments. What have I done wrong?
Should I buy a smaller syringe? are they available? What company is out there so I can get that smaller needle and better measurable lines.? I am staying with the vetsulin till I figure this out.
do you have the U-100 syringes with half unit markings?
You would have to eye ball when you increase or decrease by 0.25 units
It's not that hard
30-unit-insulin-syringe-markings.jpg



Just be sure when you do start the glargine that you note it on your signature so members know
 
As other said, yes when we do dose changes that are in .25 U increments, we draw up the insulin in between the half-unit markings for .25 U, its no big deal and only needed when increasing or decreasing the dose.
 
do you have the U-100 syringes with half unit markings?
You would have to eye ball when you increase or decrease by 0.25 units
It's not that hard
30-unit-insulin-syringe-markings.jpg



Just be sure when you do start the glargine that you note it on your signature so members know

No, that is the confusing part. the markings are just 1,2,3, etc --they are so close together there is no way to gauge the .25ml or even .5ml

the syringe I have goes all the way up to 100units/1ml on the syringe.
Is there a different name or size syringe for the better increments of measurement?
 
No, that is the confusing part. the markings are just 1,2,3, etc --they are so close together there is no way to gauge the .25ml.

the syringe I have goes all the way up to 100units/1ml on the syringe.
Is there a different name or size syringe for the better increments of measurement?

can you post a picture of these syringes please, both the box and a syringe itself

they do not sound like the right kind at all


correct syringes are called 3/10cc (.3ml) u100 with 1/2 Unit markings, commonly a length of 5/16th and a gauge of 31

The numbers should go from 5 to 30. I'll post a pic of a box and syringe from my closet.
 
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can you post a picture of these syringes please, both the box and a syringe itself

they do not sound like the right kind at all


correct syringes are called 3/10cc (.3ml) u100 with 1/2 Unit markings, commonly a length of 5/16th and a gauge of 31

The numbers should go from 5 to 30. I'll post a pic of a box and syringe from my closet.

I get an error message and it says i don't have the authority to upload a file.
 
Ok---- I will go exchange. or order new. I am back to the vetsulin with the proper syringe. until I get this cleared up. thanks for everyones' help!!!
This is just so much to learn in so little time.
 
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