Advice

[Suzq]

Hello,

I am new to the group.

My sugar baby is "Kittygirl." She was a drop-off that lived outdoors on her own in our rural area for at least 2 years. She began hanging around our home and over months we developed a loving relationship with her. We ended up bringing her in our home to live permanently in December of 2019. We believe she is 5 - 8 years old.

She was diagnosed with diabetes on 2/18/21 during a routine check up. Her glucose was around 400. We started with 2 units of Vetsulin for the first week and retested at the vet after a week. Here glucose was then 300. We went to 3 units and again tested after a week. She tested at 145 for glucose. We initially started on a diet of Purina D/M but after reading info here we switched her to about 90 % Fancy Feast Classic Pate and 10% dry D/M. That's where we are at.

We would appreciate any advice especially on testing. We are hoping to begin testing today.

Thank you.

 

[Oscar and Carrie]

Hi, I am still new to this myself, so this is just my thoughts.
Blood glucose readings can be higher at the vets because your cat is usually stressed, so it would be good to start home testing so you can get a more accurate reading.
Also, I changed from dry to wet and it made a huge difference in his BG almost overnight to the point where I've had two scares with low readings the past few days trying to get the dose right.
I wouldn't suggest changing the food until you can home test and see what impact it is having as your dose may become too high very quickly like mine did.

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Hello and welcome!

I wouldn't suggest changing the food until you can home test and see what impact it is having as your dose may become too high very quickly like mine did.

This is fantastic advice, especially because of this:

We started with 2 units of Vetsulin for the first week and retested at the vet after a week. Here glucose was then 300. We went to 3 units and again tested after a week. She tested at 145 for glucose.

That is a pretty big starting dose of Vetsulin, a big (and fast) increase, and a fairly low number to get at the vet this week. I'm very glad you're going to start testing now, so that you'll be able to keep her safe-- I strongly suspect she needs less insulin than she's getting, especially now that you've changed her diet over.

Beginning testing tips:

-Start with a larger size lancet, 26 or 28 gauge (often sold as "alternate site" lancets for humans). You'll need it at first to get blood from the poke (later after the ears "learn to bleed" you can move to a smaller size, 31 or 33).

-Warm the ears, then warm some more, before poking. It really helps!

-Treats treats treats! Most kitties quickly learn to associate the poking with good stuff, which makes the whole process much easier.

Let us know if you have questions. Kittygirl is adorable!

 

[JanetNJ]

Hi! Careful with that dose... It was started high and raised quick. We usually recommend starting at 1 unit and raising the dose in 0.25-0.5 increments. I am glad to hear you are going to test at home!! Home testing saved my cats life many times. I have a video in my signature showing how I tested my cat CC at home.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

If you would like more information on using Vetsulin and how it works, there is information in the insulin support group for the insulin you're using. This is the link to that page. There is a beginner's guide to Vetsulin/Caninsulin there.

 

[Suzq]

Hello and welcome!



This is fantastic advice, especially because of this:



That is a pretty big starting dose of Vetsulin, a big (and fast) increase, and a fairly low number to get at the vet this week. I'm very glad you're going to start testing now, so that you'll be able to keep her safe-- I strongly suspect she needs less insulin than she's getting, especially now that you've changed her diet over.

Beginning testing tips:

-Start with a larger size lancet, 26 or 28 gauge (often sold as "alternate site" lancets for humans). You'll need it at first to get blood from the poke (later after the ears "learn to bleed" you can move to a smaller size, 31 or 33).

-Warm the ears, then warm some more, before poking. It really helps!

-Treats treats treats! Most kitties quickly learn to associate the poking with good stuff, which makes the whole process much easier.

Let us know if you have questions. Kittygirl is adorable!

Thank you for all of the info. When do you test and what depth do you use?

 

[Suzq]

Hi! Careful with that dose... It was started high and raised quick. We usually recommend starting at 1 unit and raising the dose in 0.25-0.5 increments. I am glad to hear you are going to test at home!! Home testing saved my cats life many times. I have a video in my signature showing how I tested my cat CC at home.

Thank you. When should I be testing? What is the best depth and what should her test numbers be?

 

[Suzq]

If you would like more information on using Vetsulin and how it works, there is information in the insulin support group for the insulin you're using. This is the link to that page. There is a beginner's guide to Vetsulin/Caninsulin there.

Thank you.

 

[JanetNJ]

Thank you. When should I be testing? What is the best depth and what should her test numbers be?

Hi.... You will want to test before each shot time (remember no food at least 2 hours prior to the preshot test), and at least once mid cycle. I usually tested 4 times a day. (Preshots, about 5 hours after the shot, and just before bed). I know it sounds like a lot, but once you get the hang of it, each test only takes about a minute of your time. Not sure on the depth.... I always just put a cotton pad behind the ear and held the Lancet in my fingers. My cat didn't like the sound the Lancet device makes. Don't worry about poking too far. I've pierced my cats ears many times and youd never know it.