all new to us

[Felix and Ron]

Not sure how to move forward. Felix just diagnosed last week. We are going to start home testing but not sure when or how often. Vet wants to do a curve but cannot imagine it being accurate due to high stress Felix will have. We are going to slowly remove dry food from the diet. He does eat canned numerous times a day but we also have dry out.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Welcome! You are definitely headed in the right direction. Yes, home testing is more accurate than vet testing. Most people here use the ReliOn meter because it has the least expensive strips (meters are less expensive than strips in the long run) we test before every shot (to make sure the dose will be a safe one) and mid cycle (5-7 hours after the shot) to see how low the insulin takes them.

Changing to wet low carb is a great idea. It is best to be home testing as you make the change as the blood glucose levels can really drop with the diet change. (In our cat, 100 points overnight)

We have lots of videos in the FAQ section for testing. If you need help, you might post on Health.

What kind of insulin?

 

[Felix and Ron]

Welcome! You are definitely headed in the right direction. Yes, home testing is more accurate than vet testing. Most people here use the ReliOn meter because it has the least expensive strips (meters are less expensive than strips in the long run) we test before every shot (to make sure the dose will be a safe one) and mid cycle (5-7 hours after the shot) to see how low the insulin takes them.

Changing to wet low carb is a great idea. It is best to be home testing as you make the change as the blood glucose levels can really drop with the diet change. (In our cat, 100 points overnight)

We have lots of videos in the FAQ section for testing. If you need help, you might post on Health.

What kind of insulin?

 

[Felix and Ron]

Thank you!! Vet has us using prozinc 2 units only once a day after morning meal. When I test how do I know how much and when to administer insulin? Or do I consult vet?

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

There is a protocol that we put together for ProZinc in my signature in blue.

We find that insulin only given once a day is not successful. Testing will give you good insight into this. What usually happens is that the cat drops after the shot and may have a good cycle but after 12 hours, the insulin is gone. (Cats have high metabolism compared to dogs in whom once daily shots can work). By the next 12 hours, the cat is in high numbers again. Taking a test 12/18 hours after that morning shot should let you (and the vet) see that the insulin is gone and the cat is in high numbers after the first 12 hours.

We suggest two shots a day, 12 hours apart. We also suggest starting at one unit and slowly increasing as your testing suggests, if necessary.

 

[BJM]

Welcome to FDMB, the best place you never wanted to be.

There are 4 things you'll need to manage your kitty's diabetes:
- You - without your commitment, the following won't work.
- Low carb over the counter canned or raw diet, such as many Friskies pates. See Cat Info for more info. If already on insulin, you must be home testing before changing the diet.
- A long-lasting insulin such as ProZinc, Lantus, BCP PZI, or Levemir.
- And home blood glucose monitoring with an inexpensive human glucometer such as the WalMart Relion Confirm or Target Up and Up (the pet ones will break your budget!).