New and just completed tracker and need a little guidance

A

Alisa and Tito

Member
I a new here. I just updated Tito's tracker. He is 14, and has been slowing down a bit over the years, but otherwise happy. I noticed a full litter box and lots of water refills, and honestly thought it was his big, fat brother Jose, but It wasn't (he has kidney issues). Tito is still high (the freestyle only tracks to 400) and i really wish he ate wet food, but since he was a kitten, he and Jose were the only 2 in the litter that refused and when the owner stopped the mom from feeding, she gave it time thinking they would eventually eat, but they wouldn't and started them on kibble. I have tried a few times, and it wasn't successful. He used to eat a combo Instinct Protein and blue Buffalo weight control. The vet ordered the Glycobalance and i was almost 100 percent transferred to that when i found this site. i am torn right now with the glycobalance (will switch to a better food soon),but honestlyi think i just need to stop moving all the parts at once and leave the food alone and get the insulin right. I do need to decide if it will be 100 percent glyco (since it at least has sustained release carbs so they say) or keep it mixed with the lower carb instinct that seems unstable (second ingredient tapioca, but only 12 percent carb) for now, he just sleeps all day, i try to get him to play, but it's tough.
I travel for work and have a busy mid sept to oct, and just want him in a better range. I have people to check on him, but they won't be staying over and i don't know if anyone will be able to test him with the acutrak 3 i have. One of the dry foods you recommend is actually good for diabetes and KCD, and they are sending me samples. When i am home for 6 weeks, and can put the libre 3 on him and monitor and transition the food, that will be the time. I have another 10 days if this libre sticks, and i have to leave my phone at home with him (should have found a different device to leave with him). I can see the numbers from my work phone.
anyway, that's our story. thanks for listening.
 
Last edited:
Alisa Berg said:
I a new here. I just updated Tito's tracker. He is 14, and has been slowing down a bit over the years, but otherwise happy. I noticed a full litter box and lots of water refills, and honestly thought it was his big, fat brother Jose, but It wasn't (he has kidney issues). Tito is still high (the freestyle only tracks to 400) and i really wish he ate wet food, but since he was a kitten, he and Jose were the only 2 in the litter that refused and when the owner stopped the mom from feeding, she gave it time thinking they would eventually eat, but they wouldn't and started them on kibble. I have tried a few times, and it wasn't successful. He used to eat a combo Instinct Protein and blue Buffalo weight control. The vet ordered the Glycobalance and i was almost 100 percent transferred to that when i found this site. i am torn right now with the glycobalance (will switch to a better food soon),but honestlyi think i just need to stop moving all the parts at once and leave the food alone and get the insulin right. I do need to decide if it will be 100 percent glyco (since it at least has sustained release carbs so they say) or keep it mixed with the lower carb instinct that seems unstable (second ingredient tapioca, but only 12 percent carb) for now, he just sleeps all day, i try to get him to play, but it's tough.
I travel for work and have a busy mid sept to oct, and just want him in a better range. I have people to check on him, but they won't be staying over and i don't know if anyone will be able to test him with the acutrak 3 i have. One of the dry foods you recommend is actually good for diabetes and KCD, and they are sending me samples. When i am home for 6 weeks, and can put the libre 3 on him and monitor and transition the food, that will be the time. I have another 10 days if this libre sticks, and i have to leave my phone at home with him (should have found a different device to leave with him). I can see the numbers from my work phone.
anyway, that's our story. thanks for listening.
Click to expand...
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
 
both of my cats were brought up since kittens on kibbles (MEOU MIX) not until my Corky was diagnosed with diabetes 3 years ago, that I found out that the kibbles contained between 20-30% carbs and dyes, of course, this was the major reason why he became diabetic, diabetics cats need to have a diet of wet can foods between 0-10%, it is the most important thing to regulate diabetes, the pancreas damage cats cannot digest carbs. I immediately began a slow transition from dry to wet to both cats, meal by meal I added less kibbles and more wet food, also home testing most members use the ReliOn human Monitor and strips Walmart) is very important, you did not mention what insulin are you using, the best insulin for cats are Lantus and ProZinc, we can help you make the transition and help you with dosing, but we need to know more about Tito, we are very numbers oriented, below are several links so you can create your signature and create a spreadsheet, if you have lab work we would like to see them as well, also I am attaching a Drs. food list, most members feed their cats Fancy Feast Pates between 0-10% carbs, FF is US made so it is regulated and no waste goes into the food, also a link to a carb calculator, we are here to help to answer your concerns, again Welcome :cat: :cat: :bighug:

Sticky - New? How You Can Help Us Help You!
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-create-a-spreadsheet.241706/
Info - Dr. Pierson - new Food Chart
Cat Food Nutrition Calculator | Elizabeth C Scheyder
 
CORKY said:
both of my cats were brought up since kittens on kibbles (MEOU MIX) not until my Corky was diagnosed with diabetes 3 years ago, that I found out that the kibbles contained between 20-30% carbs and dyes, of course, this was the major reason why he became diabetic, diabetics cats need to have a diet of wet can foods between 0-10%, it is the most important thing to regulate diabetes, the pancreas damage cats cannot digest carbs. I immediately began a slow transition from dry to wet to both cats, meal by meal I added less kibbles and more wet food, also home testing most members use the ReliOn human Monitor and strips Walmart) is very important, you did not mention what insulin are you using, the best insulin for cats are Lantus and ProZinc, we can help you make the transition and help you with dosing, but we need to know more about Tito, we are very numbers oriented, below are several links so you can create your signature and create a spreadsheet, if you have lab work we would like to see them as well, also I am attaching a Drs. food list, most members feed their cats Fancy Feast Pates between 0-10% carbs, FF is US made so it is regulated and no waste goes into the food, also a link to a carb calculator, we are here to help to answer your concerns, again Welcome :cat: :cat: :bighug:

Sticky - New? How You Can Help Us Help You!
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-create-a-spreadsheet.241706/
Info - Dr. Pierson - new Food Chart
Cat Food Nutrition Calculator | Elizabeth C Scheyder
Click to expand...
His spreadsheet with bloodwork should be in my signature. He is on lantus. I am going to soak this all in. Its not been long enough for great data, but I do want to stop moving all the parts and think I will stick to the glycobalance until I am home long enough to transition him again. But I will try to put some wet I think here and see what happens. Thanknyou!
 
Yes just saw TITO’s SS I will tag another member experienced in Lantus perhaps you want her to help you with dosing his BG is dangerously high damaging the pancreas more, and of course the high content of carbs in the kibbles, Sienne will put input or better guide you with tge Lantus, Corky is on ProZinc
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
 
CORKY said:
Yes just saw TITO’s SS I will tag another member experienced in Lantus perhaps you want her to help you with dosing his BG is dangerously high damaging the pancreas more, and of course the high content of carbs in the kibbles, Sienne will put input or better guide you with tge Lantus, Corky is on ProZinc
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
Click to expand...
Thanks. We did just up his dose. I know a few feedings aren't enough to to see the whole picture, but I have to stop waffling and cahnging things and I have decided to get to 100 % glycobalance and hope the sustained release is the answer. I have about a week before the libre comes off and I start travelling. I love my little guy and hope things settle soon
 
Alisa Berg said:
It won't let me change my name and I did the signature. Tha ks
Click to expand...
I see Tito's spreadsheet linked in your signature, but I don't see the other information:
  • Caregiver & kitty's name
  • DX: Date
  • Name of Insulin (do not include dose or frequency)
  • Name of your meter
  • Diet: "LC wet" or "dry food" or "combo"
  • Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
  • DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
  • Bexacat or Senvelgo (if applicable) and dates
  • Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)
  • Spreadsheet link. Please put the signature link on the bottom line of your signature information, on its own, so it is easy to find.
  • Please do not put any information about your location in the signature for security reasons. If you wish to add your country location, please add it to your profile.
Having this information at a glance helps the helpers when/if you have questions and/or need advice. Thank you!! :)

Also, if you want to post over on the Lantus forum, there are several Lantus users there who post daily. It's completely up to you.
 
Welcome to FDMB!

Getting individual pieces of the puzzle in place vs doing everything at once is a reasonable strategy. I'm going to provide information and we can work on what to do first if you think that's appropriate.

There really isn't such a thing as "sustained release" carbohydrates. What this translates to is complex carbohydrates -- think brown rice vs white rice. And while complex carb are healthier and may take a bit longer to be digested, they are still carbohydrates. The first several ingredients in Glycobalance are Chicken By-Product Meal, Barley, Wheat Gluten, Corn Gluten Meal, Soy Protein Isolate, Tapioca, Powdered Cellulose. My all time favorite is powdered cellulose -- or by its more recognizable name, sawdust. Most of what are loosely termed diabetic foods generally have terrible ingredients. Much of the protein comes from gluten and many cats are gluten sensitive. In fact, the pet food manufacturers lost a class action suit for calling their foods "prescription." There is nothing in Glycobalance that is appropriate for a diabetic cat vs any other cat.

Cats are obligate carnivores. It's not that the pancreas can't digest carbs (the beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin which moves the end product of metabolism, glucose, into the cells) it's that cats are not genetically able to metabolize carbohydrates. Cats, especially diabetic cats, need a high quality protein diet. Glycobalance is about 17% carbs. We consider a low carb diet as under 10% carb. That said, there are only a handful of dry foods that are low in carbs: Young Again Zero Carb (it's not zero carbs but it's low), Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein, and I believe Weruva has a low carb food. There are also freeze dried and air dried raw foods that Tito may like (e.g., Stella & Chewy's or ZiwiPeak). If you want to read more about feline nutrition, this is a good website that is authored by a vet. She is a strong proponent of a canned or raw food diet. Her reasoning is that cats have a limited thirst drive and a canned or raw food diet provides considerably more moisture than dry food. She also has information on transitioning a cat to a canned food diet.

It may make sense to keep what you're doing with food consistent until you're home from your travel. Changing to a lower carb food will very likely result in blood glucose numbers dropping.

I'm glad your vet prescribed Lantus. It's a very good insulin for treating feline diabetes. I'd encourage you to take a look at the sticky notes at the top of the Lantus forum. The notes will provide background about Lantus. One immediate observation. If you've been giving insulin for less than a week, Lantus needs about 5 - 7 days for the insulin depot to be established. You want to hold the dose for that period of time. Every time you give a shot, Lantus forms microcrystals that are deposited in the fat tissue. Most of these crystals slowly dissolve over the 12-hour cycle -- but not all of them dissolve. The depot gradually builds up which is what gives Lantus its gentle action and long duration. It also means that every time you make a change in the dose, the depot needs to stabilize. Depending on which of the dosing methods you opt for, you hold the dose for the requisite period of time.

We also increase doses in much smaller increments than 1.0u. If you increase by large amounts, you risk flying past what could be a good dose for your cat. One question -- are you using syringes or are you using the needle tips that are on a Lanus Solostar pen? If the latter, please get syringes with half unit markings. The pens dispense in full units only and you end up wasting a good amount of insulin since you have to prime the pen with every use. U-100 3/10cc syringes with half unit markings are the best to use.

It looks like you're using a Freestyle Libre. Please be aware that in lower range numbers, the Libre reads lower than the actual blood glucose. I'm going to tag one of our members who is very familiar with all aspects of Libre use. @Staci & Ivy

I'd encourage you to stick with posting on the Health forum for now. It's easier to get acclimated in this group since some of the posting guidelines are different on the Lantus board. There's also the expectation that we can answer most of your basic questions here. Once you feel like you've got both feet on the ground, it's fine to migrate over to the Lantus board.

Please let is know if you have questions. We're here to help.
 
Mary & Jude said:
I see Tito's spreadsheet linked in your signature, but I don't see the other information:
  • Caregiver & kitty's name
  • DX: Date
  • Name of Insulin (do not include dose or frequency)
  • Name of your meter
  • Diet: "LC wet" or "dry food" or "combo"
  • Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
  • DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
  • Bexacat or Senvelgo (if applicable) and dates
  • Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)
  • Spreadsheet link. Please put the signature link on the bottom line of your signature information, on its own, so it is easy to find.
  • Please do not put any information about your location in the signature for security reasons. If you wish to add your country location, please add it to your profile.
Having this information at a glance helps the helpers when/if you have questions and/or need advice. Thank you!! :)

Also, if you want to post over on the Lantus forum, there are several Lantus users there who post daily. It's completely up to you.
Click to expand...
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
It looks like you're using a Freestyle Libre. Please be aware that in lower range numbers, the Libre reads lower than the actual blood glucose. I'm going to tag one of our members who is very familiar with all aspects of Libre use. @Staci & Ivy
Click to expand...
Hi Alisa, I see Sienne asked me to step in here about the Libre.
It seems you are using your personal phone to leave at home with Tito and Sending data to your work phone.

If you were going to continue using a Libre, you may want to see if you can get another device to leave at home with Tito so you don’t have to leave your personal phone if you don’t have to at home with him. On the Abbott website there is a list of compatible phones With the Libre device you were using. I’m guessing you’re possibly using a Libre 3 if you were having data sent to a phone, that’s what I use as well.

I will link the document we have put together here about using a Libre to monitor your cats glucose. And as seen and mentioned, it’s good to be able to double check any very low readings with an ear prick using a handheld glucometer. Many people here use a Relion Meter from Walmart because they’re easy to get, and the test strips are very inexpensive. You can purchase at Walmart and you don’t have to wait for them to arrive in the mail. Most people have a Walmart somewhere nearby.

If you’re going to be using a Libre since you’re going forward, I strongly suggest joining the Facebook group freestyle Libre for dogs and cats. It has all kinds of valuable information about using a Libre for your cat.

And if you ever need to call Abbott directly about anything never say you were using the Libre for a cat or they will not give you any support or replace a faulty sensor for you (always say it’s for yourself or a family member).

If you have any other questions, please feel free to let me know.
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...ucose-monitors-cgms-for-diabetic-cats.301950/



https://freestyleserver.com/Payloads/IFU/2025/q3/ART44628-004_rev-Z-pub.pdf
 
Staci & Ivy said:
Hi Alisa, I see Sienne asked me to step in here about the Libre.
It seems you are using your personal phone to leave at home with Tito and Sending data to your work phone.

If you were going to continue using a Libre, you may want to see if you can get another device to leave at home with Tito so you don’t have to leave your personal phone if you don’t have to at home with him. On the Abbott website there is a list of compatible phones With the Libre device you were using. I’m guessing you’re possibly using a Libre 3 if you were having data sent to a phone, that’s what I use as well.

I will link the document we have put together here about using a Libre to monitor your cats glucose. And as seen and mentioned, it’s good to be able to double check any very low readings with an ear prick using a handheld glucometer. Many people here use a Relion Meter from Walmart because they’re easy to get, and the test strips are very inexpensive. You can purchase at Walmart and you don’t have to wait for them to arrive in the mail. Most people have a Walmart somewhere nearby.

If you’re going to be using a Libre since you’re going forward, I strongly suggest joining the Facebook group freestyle Libre for dogs and cats. It has all kinds of valuable information about using a Libre for your cat.

And if you ever need to call Abbott directly about anything never say you were using the Libre for a cat or they will not give you any support or replace a faulty sensor for you (always say it’s for yourself or a family member).

If you have any other questions, please feel free to let me know.
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...ucose-monitors-cgms-for-diabetic-cats.301950/



https://freestyleserver.com/Payloads/IFU/2025/q3/ART44628-004_rev-Z-pub.pdf
Click to expand...
I am only using it right now because I had to the curve and its been a roller coaster. I have the acutrak 3 also but eill switch to the walmart one when the strips run out.. Low isn't an issue right now :( I just want him below 300 at this point. When its time to switch food, I will probably do the libre again and borrow my niece's iPad. My doctor and I just want him happy. I hope his numbers improve when I stop changing food and just settle in to a routine..before I have to travel for work. I lost my mom this year from kidney disease and not ready to lose this little guy yet.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
Welcome to FDMB!

Getting individual pieces of the puzzle in place vs doing everything at once is a reasonable strategy. I'm going to provide information and we can work on what to do first if you think that's appropriate.

There really isn't such a thing as "sustained release" carbohydrates. What this translates to is complex carbohydrates -- think brown rice vs white rice. And while complex carb are healthier and may take a bit longer to be digested, they are still carbohydrates. The first several ingredients in Glycobalance are Chicken By-Product Meal, Barley, Wheat Gluten, Corn Gluten Meal, Soy Protein Isolate, Tapioca, Powdered Cellulose. My all time favorite is powdered cellulose -- or by its more recognizable name, sawdust. Most of what are loosely termed diabetic foods generally have terrible ingredients. Much of the protein comes from gluten and many cats are gluten sensitive. In fact, the pet food manufacturers lost a class action suit for calling their foods "prescription." There is nothing in Glycobalance that is appropriate for a diabetic cat vs any other cat.

Cats are obligate carnivores. It's not that the pancreas can't digest carbs (the beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin which moves the end product of metabolism, glucose, into the cells) it's that cats are not genetically able to metabolize carbohydrates. Cats, especially diabetic cats, need a high quality protein diet. Glycobalance is about 17% carbs. We consider a low carb diet as under 10% carb. That said, there are only a handful of dry foods that are low in carbs: Young Again Zero Carb (it's not zero carbs but it's low), Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein, and I believe Weruva has a low carb food. There are also freeze dried and air dried raw foods that Tito may like (e.g., Stella & Chewy's or ZiwiPeak). If you want to read more about feline nutrition, this is a good website that is authored by a vet. She is a strong proponent of a canned or raw food diet. Her reasoning is that cats have a limited thirst drive and a canned or raw food diet provides considerably more moisture than dry food. She also has information on transitioning a cat to a canned food diet.

It may make sense to keep what you're doing with food consistent until you're home from your travel. Changing to a lower carb food will very likely result in blood glucose numbers dropping.

I'm glad your vet prescribed Lantus. It's a very good insulin for treating feline diabetes. I'd encourage you to take a look at the sticky notes at the top of the Lantus forum. The notes will provide background about Lantus. One immediate observation. If you've been giving insulin for less than a week, Lantus needs about 5 - 7 days for the insulin depot to be established. You want to hold the dose for that period of time. Every time you give a shot, Lantus forms microcrystals that are deposited in the fat tissue. Most of these crystals slowly dissolve over the 12-hour cycle -- but not all of them dissolve. The depot gradually builds up which is what gives Lantus its gentle action and long duration. It also means that every time you make a change in the dose, the depot needs to stabilize. Depending on which of the dosing methods you opt for, you hold the dose for the requisite period of time.

We also increase doses in much smaller increments than 1.0u. If you increase by large amounts, you risk flying past what could be a good dose for your cat. One question -- are you using syringes or are you using the needle tips that are on a Lanus Solostar pen? If the latter, please get syringes with half unit markings. The pens dispense in full units only and you end up wasting a good amount of insulin since you have to prime the pen with every use. U-100 3/10cc syringes with half unit markings are the best to use.

It looks like you're using a Freestyle Libre. Please be aware that in lower range numbers, the Libre reads lower than the actual blood glucose. I'm going to tag one of our members who is very familiar with all aspects of Libre use. @Staci & Ivy

I'd encourage you to stick with posting on the Health forum for now. It's easier to get acclimated in this group since some of the posting guidelines are different on the Lantus board. There's also the expectation that we can answer most of your basic questions here. Once you feel like you've got both feet on the ground, it's fine to migrate over to the Lantus board.

Please let is know if you have questions. We're here to help.
Click to expand...
Thank you. That all pretty much validates my plan. He was on 1 unit for a month and still very high. Vet raised to 2 because of the numbers and the libre. Going to stick with the same food for now and transition when I am home. I just want him under 300 and I will feel.lime I made forward progress.
 
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