Bubbles Did It! Day 14, No Insulin!
- Thread starter greenae
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Hillary & Maui (GA)
Member Since 2009
Congratulations! Wonderful news.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: CONGRATULATIONS! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Tips to stay OTJ
We say a cat is in remission if the cat can maintain BG levels for 14 days between 40-120 with most of that spent under 100. However, please keep in mind that once a diabetic always a diabetic.
1. Never feed dry - not even treats. If you change wet food types, be 100% sure the new food is also low carb and same low carb % as your current food. Some cats are very carb sensitive and an increase from 3-6% to 8-10% can spike the BG’s. Don’t feed if you aren’t sure!
2. Weigh every 2 weeks to 1 month to watch for weight changes. Too much of a weight gain can cause loss of remission.
3. Measure blood once a week, indefinitely. You want to catch a relapse quickly.
4. No steroids or oral meds with sugar - remind your vet whenever giving you any medication. Always double check.
5. Monitor food intake, peeing and drinking. If increasing, a sign of losing remission.
6. Regular vet checks for infection such as dental , ear or UTI. And get them treated quick!
If he does fall out of remission you need to be more aggressive and resolve issues/ back on insulin as soon as possible as the window for a second remission is tight if any.
Wendy
Tips to stay OTJ
We say a cat is in remission if the cat can maintain BG levels for 14 days between 40-120 with most of that spent under 100. However, please keep in mind that once a diabetic always a diabetic.
1. Never feed dry - not even treats. If you change wet food types, be 100% sure the new food is also low carb and same low carb % as your current food. Some cats are very carb sensitive and an increase from 3-6% to 8-10% can spike the BG’s. Don’t feed if you aren’t sure!
2. Weigh every 2 weeks to 1 month to watch for weight changes. Too much of a weight gain can cause loss of remission.
3. Measure blood once a week, indefinitely. You want to catch a relapse quickly.
4. No steroids or oral meds with sugar - remind your vet whenever giving you any medication. Always double check.
5. Monitor food intake, peeing and drinking. If increasing, a sign of losing remission.
6. Regular vet checks for infection such as dental , ear or UTI. And get them treated quick!
If he does fall out of remission you need to be more aggressive and resolve issues/ back on insulin as soon as possible as the window for a second remission is tight if any.
Wendy
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
I wouldnt worry - normal cats are 40/50-130 but they vary. Occasional spikes may happen due to stress or excitement (stray cat in yard) but if you see a higher number than 130 I would measure more often to check its not staying in that range. And if it does, you need to quickly work out why (food infection or what) and get her back on insulin asap.
Wendy
Wendy
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
You can help with that - offer encouragement and your story to other newbies. 
Wendy
Wendy
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
:RAHCAT WOO HOO BUBBLES!!! YEAH FOR OTJ!! :RAHCAT
You've done great Arlene! Keep us informed on how Bubbles is doing, and stop by and encourage some other newbies occasionally too. You're proof that some cats can do GREAT very quickly with just a change in diet and a little support.
We're all thrilled for you!!
greenae
Member Since 2013
Thanks, Wendy and Chris!
I guess I don't feel I have enough experience to put my two cents in. :smile: And I'm still a little leery about Bubbles. Every so often those higher numbers make me wonder. I am getting more strips tomorrow...lol. But I will try to help, as all of you helped me.
My concern with giving advice is, that with my research, it seems that you have to be a little aggressive with the insulin to achieve remission. And I don't want to give anyone wrong or dangerous advice. And you know I shot PS numbers that were on the low side, but I truly believe that you have to strive for keeping your cat's BG as close to normal as you can, if you want to rest the pancreas and achieve remission. I am lucky because there was always someone around the house to keep an eye on Bubbles. Also, I only have limited experience (less than 5 weeks!) with PZI, and because it is "in and out," it seems easier than Lantus, when it comes to shooting lower PS's? I am thinking catching her onset of diabetes early, and changing her diet the minute I got the lab results is why we were able to get OTJ so quickly.
I will continue to update my spreadsheet, and if you think it's ok, I will try to give advice and encouragement. I know I've said it already, but For Real...Bubbles probably would not be here now, if it weren't for all of YOU!! Thank You!!!! :mrgreen: :RAHCAT
I guess I don't feel I have enough experience to put my two cents in. :smile: And I'm still a little leery about Bubbles. Every so often those higher numbers make me wonder. I am getting more strips tomorrow...lol. But I will try to help, as all of you helped me.
My concern with giving advice is, that with my research, it seems that you have to be a little aggressive with the insulin to achieve remission. And I don't want to give anyone wrong or dangerous advice. And you know I shot PS numbers that were on the low side, but I truly believe that you have to strive for keeping your cat's BG as close to normal as you can, if you want to rest the pancreas and achieve remission. I am lucky because there was always someone around the house to keep an eye on Bubbles. Also, I only have limited experience (less than 5 weeks!) with PZI, and because it is "in and out," it seems easier than Lantus, when it comes to shooting lower PS's? I am thinking catching her onset of diabetes early, and changing her diet the minute I got the lab results is why we were able to get OTJ so quickly.
I will continue to update my spreadsheet, and if you think it's ok, I will try to give advice and encouragement. I know I've said it already, but For Real...Bubbles probably would not be here now, if it weren't for all of YOU!! Thank You!!!! :mrgreen: :RAHCAT
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
You can help a newbie with learning to home test.
You can tell them that if you could do it, they can too!
You can calm their fears and let them know they're in the best place they could be.
You can ask them the questions we asked you..what are you feeding?...and show them the Food List
You don't ever have to give dose advice if you're not comfortable doing it...there's lots of other ways to help..and knowing that Bubbles was able to go OTJ in such a short time, although fairly rare, you are living proof that it's possible...and even if Bubbles had never gotten OTJ, you are proof that she's feeling better, looking better, gaining weight, peeing less, drinking less, and acting like she's a much healthier and happier cat....and as you know, sometimes that's more than enough just knowing our kitties are doing so much better than they were when we started this dance.
Many times, those are the words people need to hear
You can tell them that if you could do it, they can too!
You can calm their fears and let them know they're in the best place they could be.
You can ask them the questions we asked you..what are you feeding?...and show them the Food List
You don't ever have to give dose advice if you're not comfortable doing it...there's lots of other ways to help..and knowing that Bubbles was able to go OTJ in such a short time, although fairly rare, you are living proof that it's possible...and even if Bubbles had never gotten OTJ, you are proof that she's feeling better, looking better, gaining weight, peeing less, drinking less, and acting like she's a much healthier and happier cat....and as you know, sometimes that's more than enough just knowing our kitties are doing so much better than they were when we started this dance.
Many times, those are the words people need to hear
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Perfect! as a newbie its safer to advise on testing, feeding,and general hand holding. And let Chris or I know if you see someone with an issue that hasn't been addressed.. send us a PM or something
Wendy
PS try not to worry about bubbles.. enjoy the fact he is good right now.
Wendy
PS try not to worry about bubbles.. enjoy the fact he is good right now.
Dusty Bones
Member Since 2013
Nicely done!
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