1 week!

[Siamis Momma]

It has been one week and Siami is still off her insulin! She is still eating Hills Science Perscription Diet- wet and dry- for her weight. She weighs 12lbs and vet wants her down to 10lbs. how often should I continue to test? Currently I am testing everyday. In addition, I am thinking about having her pancreas tested, any thoughts?

 

[BJM]

As long as she is doing well, eating normally, there isn't a lot of point in testing the pancreas function. Shifting to just canned food is better for the water intake, if she'll eat enough. Pop over to Cat Info for a good discussion on obesity. Any weight loss should be done gradually, to avoid provoking hepatic lipidosis.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Wonderful news that she is still off the insulin! Continue to test before each meal. When a cat goes 14 days without insulin, they are considered in remission or on a honeymoon. When you hit 14 days and no insulin, we have a party!! Post and someone will tell you how to proceed from that point. Good luck, fingers and paws crossed.

 

[Robin&BB]

Hi, Eve! This is really exciting - I am SO happy for you!!! GO, SIAMI, GO!!!!!!

 

[Rachel]

Yay!!!

 

[Merlin]

Here is a great write up from Chris & China on the instructions for a OTJ trial and thereafter. Also remember that once a diabetic always a diabetic so have to be very diligent regarding food, water, etc. After you have tested for 14 days, then there still is a "once in a while" test just to make sure that Siami is still in remission.

Here are the OTJ trial instructions so you have the info:

Start the trial on the next green pre shot.

If he/she is green at your normal test times, no need to test further until the next "PS" time; just feed small meals and go about your day. If he/she is blue at your normal "PS", feed a small meal and test again after about 3 or 4 hours. If his/her number is lower 3-4 hours after a meal, then the pancreas is working!

Post every day so we can monitor your progress and see if any tweaks are needed. He/she may have a sporadic blue number. Don't panic but post before you decide whether to shoot so we can have a discussion.

After 14 days of no insulin, we have a party!!

Sometimes the trial doesn't work the first time and we have to give a little more support in the form of resuming insulin. It's not the end of the world if that happens; we just give him/her the support needed. Our goal is a strong remission and it's better to take our time to get that than to rush into remission just to have it fail later on.

Good luck with the trial!!!
Once he/she is through the trial successfully, you enter a new phase. Your cat is still diabetic but has now become diet-controlled. Continue feeding low carb food in the manner successful for your kitty. If you decide to change his/her feeding schedule, let your meter be your guide to the best times to feed. Avoid medications with sugar in them and steroid medications unless they are medically essential. Continue testing blood glucose weekly for the first month and then monthly forever. It's a good idea to weigh him/her monthly. Weight should remain stable. If he/she seems "off" or sick, or is showing signs of diabetes (excessive drinking, eating, urinating, weight loss), test his/her blood glucose right away. Keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy; dental issues can bring a cat out of remission. If you see rising blood glucose numbers, it's time for a visit to the vet!