My cat is 22 years old and was sick over the weekend, got antibiotics and shes much better now and eating normally. they took blood and all her test showed fine for her normal compared to her last test, her creatine was 2.3 and BUN actually went down to 26 which was 44 in May, but her glucose which read 320, in May her yearly follow up she was around 260. Shes been on prednisolone for over a year now which I know can spike glucose from what I read and shes on it every other day, i keep her on the lowest dose I can. The Vet said he could send it in for a Fructosamine which came back and he said 294 I believe. He said its not overly high but high. Over the weekend she was sick and after hearing her glucose was 320 I switched her to fancy feast pate and she seems to be eating it just fine. I don't know if the switch in food over a few days would lower her glucose that much. He said he wanted to start her on Insulin tomorrow and after researching this like a mad women and how to manage Diabetic cats I read its good to home test. So I went out tonite and bought a home meter and saw online how to test cats on the ear. She didn't seem to mind it, got blood the first try and it read 133, this was after she ate about a hour ago. 133 I know is not really high to call for insulin. I used the meter on myself to see and it read 98 which is about normal for me. I'm just afraid to start her on Insulin being 22 years old and if shes testing this low it worries me. I spoke w/ a Clinic by phone and she said there are other test like doing a hourly at home glucose testing to see where she stands throughout the day or even getting another opinion. has anyone every delt with this or have any advice?
Cat Diabeties Question
- Thread starter Angelfire
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BJM
Member Since 2010
That is a non-diabetic number.
By switching her to low carb canned food, you probably dropped her a good 100 points, maybe more. An excellent nutrition resource for feline nutrition is Cat Info
What meter are you using? We've found some don't work well in cats.
Doing a glucose curve - testing from before meal, every 2 hours, until next meal - shows response to food and if on insulin, determines dosing.
By switching her to low carb canned food, you probably dropped her a good 100 points, maybe more. An excellent nutrition resource for feline nutrition is Cat Info
What meter are you using? We've found some don't work well in cats.
Doing a glucose curve - testing from before meal, every 2 hours, until next meal - shows response to food and if on insulin, determines dosing.
After researching online a lot of posts suggested the Relion Confirm Testing Meter since its the most reasonable for the price and showed comparing results to the high costly machines. I did order some free control solution which is suppose to test to make sure its reading correctly since the store did not carry any that I saw off hand unless I missed it but I would think the numbers would be not stupidly off by 100s.
Is this a good machine then to use for cats that would give close enough numbers? Also would you suggest trying a glucose curve before even pushing insulin even after they did the one Fructosamine test?
Would any Keytone Urine strips be helpful to try and test those levels that way as well?
Would any Keytone Urine strips be helpful to try and test those levels that way as well?
BJM
Member Since 2010
It is 'good enough' for home monitoring.
A glucose curve at home is better than one at the vet, as the numbers won't be increased 100-180 points by vet stress. It will give you an overall view of how the glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day.
Making sure you are feeding low carb canned or raw food before starting insulin (if needed) is best.
A glucose curve at home is better than one at the vet, as the numbers won't be increased 100-180 points by vet stress. It will give you an overall view of how the glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day.
Making sure you are feeding low carb canned or raw food before starting insulin (if needed) is best.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Hello and welcome to the board!
A normal cat is 40-130 , but as a newbie I wouldnt be shooting her with insulin until you get regular numbers over 200. Can you get some more tests over the next few days to see how she does? You dont need a curve since she isnt on insulin but it would be useful to test her before and 1-2 hours after food to see how her blood glucose behaves.
let us know
Thanks
Wendy
PS what a great age for a cat! Good job in taking care of her!
PPS The relion confirm is more than good enough for home testing. Many of our members use that one.
A normal cat is 40-130 , but as a newbie I wouldnt be shooting her with insulin until you get regular numbers over 200. Can you get some more tests over the next few days to see how she does? You dont need a curve since she isnt on insulin but it would be useful to test her before and 1-2 hours after food to see how her blood glucose behaves.
let us know
Thanks
Wendy
PS what a great age for a cat! Good job in taking care of her!
PPS The relion confirm is more than good enough for home testing. Many of our members use that one.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Oh and the infection could well have caused the high blood sugar so now that its controlled you might see the numbers drop further.
Thanks for your fast assistance, I think I will call the Vet to cancel my Appt. tomorrow to go over the Insulin training and I'll suggest to try a glucose curve test at home to test levels throughout the day, probably during the weekend when I'll be home all day. I just don't feel right about Insulin at this time, I do everything I can for my Cat being 22 I've had her over 2/3rds of my life. I know not all cats will show any symptoms but she hasn't show any increased thirst or more urine output then she normally does, she seems so much better right now compared to the weekend, I think even the food changed made her more happy. She was on Wellness for the longest time but now just refuses to eat it, it seems like the consistency changed in it.
Wendy&Tiggy said:
Oh I didn't know infections could cause that, I would think the Vet woulda maybe mentioned that, I appreciate that info! Would that even spike the Fructosamine test? I will do more testing over the next few days then and report what I'm getting and see where to go from there but I think i can manage her for now.
You guys are awesome thanks
P.S. I do baby her a lot
BJM said:
Thanks for that info, i hate for her to be on steroids but it really does help her stomach where she doesn't have throw up sessions like she did before starting it, also Vet said she has inflammation which helps relax it and makes her move better, being her age she does have arthritis and there is not many options for cats from what Vet told me and I've done my research on it as well, Cats don't tolerate medication well, I try her on consequin a few times but she'll refuse it most the time.
I've spoken w/ my Vet Office and canceled the Appt. to start the Insulin today, when I tried to talk to them about home testing or other tests they didn't wanna hear me out, they just wanted to push and start her on Insulin and I just didn't feel comfortable how they treated me, even the Tech got attitude over it which I've never had that happen before at this Clinic. I do anything for my Cat, even over the weekend just for taking her in being sick cost me $250 bux there to run a few tests.
So after debating all day I wanted another opinion, I've called and spoken with a few Vets in neighboring counties recommended from my Sister and a Coworker who will actually consult with you by phone as best they can by info I give, they are in smaller communities compared to mine and they are all about the animals. The one my Sister has used I've been there and they are a nice friendly staff who seems more in touch with Patients. I just never took my Cat there since its a much longer drive but I think I rather go there then back to the Clinic I've used. I went over the same thing as I did with my Vet's Office today, gave all the Lab Info, my home Tests and both offices were being understanding about it and agreed with what I was doing, home testing is a great way to watch, but my Vet Office wanted nothing to do with it. The neighboring Vets told me testing periodically to see how her levels are is a good way to watch her and if she starts to show any signs of illness or common signs to bring her in but said not to go overboard with the pricking of the ear giving the fact her levels are not crazy. They said there are many things that can cause Glucose spikes and even the illness she said could be a factor, but basing it off of one test isn't always right until you get consecutive factors or symptoms.
Giving her current state of health which shes better now after the Antibiotics, they spoke to me about Quality of Life with her age of 22 and if she seems happy not to push it if I'm not comfortable about it. The way my Cat eats is not like give her some food, she eats it all and is done, shes always been a picky eater, she'll go up to the dish, eat some and come back to it later. She's a 12lb cat currently, also with no weight loss, and has always ate wet food. I know on Insulin they must eat so they don't go into any kind of shock and not being home during the day just worries me, the Tech I spoke to at my Clinic I used said you have to regulate her, there is not another choice, she can't just eat when she wants throughout the day but how do you tell this to a 22 year old Cat to force her to eat. The tests I've done have ranged from 126 up to 185 which the other Vets I consulted with said those are not constant like other Cats they've seen or diagnosed but all Cats can range differently and they said they also go off of Clinical Symptoms which she hasn't shown, they said they've seen cats get readings from 400 to 800 constantly with other signs, my Cats levels may not be perfect but they said there is more to look at then just numbers.
Sorry for the long spam but just wanted to give my follow up incase others may want to read or reference to.
So after debating all day I wanted another opinion, I've called and spoken with a few Vets in neighboring counties recommended from my Sister and a Coworker who will actually consult with you by phone as best they can by info I give, they are in smaller communities compared to mine and they are all about the animals. The one my Sister has used I've been there and they are a nice friendly staff who seems more in touch with Patients. I just never took my Cat there since its a much longer drive but I think I rather go there then back to the Clinic I've used. I went over the same thing as I did with my Vet's Office today, gave all the Lab Info, my home Tests and both offices were being understanding about it and agreed with what I was doing, home testing is a great way to watch, but my Vet Office wanted nothing to do with it. The neighboring Vets told me testing periodically to see how her levels are is a good way to watch her and if she starts to show any signs of illness or common signs to bring her in but said not to go overboard with the pricking of the ear giving the fact her levels are not crazy. They said there are many things that can cause Glucose spikes and even the illness she said could be a factor, but basing it off of one test isn't always right until you get consecutive factors or symptoms.
Giving her current state of health which shes better now after the Antibiotics, they spoke to me about Quality of Life with her age of 22 and if she seems happy not to push it if I'm not comfortable about it. The way my Cat eats is not like give her some food, she eats it all and is done, shes always been a picky eater, she'll go up to the dish, eat some and come back to it later. She's a 12lb cat currently, also with no weight loss, and has always ate wet food. I know on Insulin they must eat so they don't go into any kind of shock and not being home during the day just worries me, the Tech I spoke to at my Clinic I used said you have to regulate her, there is not another choice, she can't just eat when she wants throughout the day but how do you tell this to a 22 year old Cat to force her to eat. The tests I've done have ranged from 126 up to 185 which the other Vets I consulted with said those are not constant like other Cats they've seen or diagnosed but all Cats can range differently and they said they also go off of Clinical Symptoms which she hasn't shown, they said they've seen cats get readings from 400 to 800 constantly with other signs, my Cats levels may not be perfect but they said there is more to look at then just numbers.
Sorry for the long spam but just wanted to give my follow up incase others may want to read or reference to.
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Cats with diabetes can continue to free feed just fine. With some insulins, which have a very fast onset and steep drop like Humulin N & Novolin N, your cat does need to eat 30-45 minutes before any insulin shot. We do not recommend these insulins for cats. They do not have a long enough duration.
Not being able to free feed seems to be one of the big myths promulgated by the vets. Many people here free feed their diabetic cats just fine. We do recommend taking the food away 2 hours before any pre-shot tests so the numbers are not food influenced.
A single blood glucose test does not constitute enough to make a diagnosis of diabetes. The clinical factors must be taken into consideration.
I would recommend you continue to test, 2 x a day, morning and evening to see how her numbers trend. She could still come down into a more normal BG (blood glucose) range as the antibiotics take effect more. Ideally, take the food up 2 hours before these 2 tests so they are not food influenced.
It's true that other things can spike the glucose. Vet stress, illness.
Some symptoms to watch for are drinking a lot of water, peeing huge puddles in the litter box, weight loss, always hungry and begging for food. We ask people to tell us how the 5 P's - peeing, pooping, playing, preening, purring and appetite are. Sort of a Whole Cat Report (WCR).
Normal BG range for non-diabetic cat or diet controlled diabetic like my Wink, are 40-130 on a human glucometer. 80-150 on a pet specific monitor like the Alphatrak.
At this point, I do not think your cat needs insulin. I'm not even sure she is diabetic. It may still be some residual effects from the infection keeping her numbers high. Also, dental issues can keep BG numbers high. How are her teeth and gums?
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
The infection and the steroids could be keeping her a little high. But her numbers sound ok.
Thanks for your responses! The Vet had called in Humulin N locally which I found weird since most things I read call for like Lantus in Cats. I try to clean her teeth and I can't say they are perfect like I'd like them to be, she does not like her mouth or face being touch, its really been fun trying to give her the liquid antibiotic 
. I do have feline toothpaste that I try to at least get into her mouth on her teeth so that may be contributing but her gums are fine. The current dose of steroids I'm trying with her is doing it every other day 2.5mg to see how she copes with it instead of every day, sometimes shes fine but other times I can see her arthritis effects her more so I adjust slightly. The one side effect with the steroids has been increased appetite so giving it every other day seems to give her body a rest and shes more regulated with eating like her normal and I read its good to do this every other day since it gives the body time to relax and adjust so her body keeps her adrenal glands moving.
Thanks again for your help and making me more knowledgeable
. I do have feline toothpaste that I try to at least get into her mouth on her teeth so that may be contributing but her gums are fine. The current dose of steroids I'm trying with her is doing it every other day 2.5mg to see how she copes with it instead of every day, sometimes shes fine but other times I can see her arthritis effects her more so I adjust slightly. The one side effect with the steroids has been increased appetite so giving it every other day seems to give her body a rest and shes more regulated with eating like her normal and I read its good to do this every other day since it gives the body time to relax and adjust so her body keeps her adrenal glands moving.Thanks again for your help and making me more knowledgeable
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Humulin N is cheap. That is why many vets prescribe it for their clients. We don't like the Humulin N because it has fast steep drops, fast steep rises and most of all does not last long enough in most cats 6-8 hours and the remission rates are a paltry 10-20%. Not many people have life and work schedules that allow them to dose 3 times a day if needed. Humulin N works well in dogs, not cats.
The Lantus 10mL vial will last a long time, 4-6 months with proper storage. Get a prescription for the Solostar pens and they can last to the last drop. Savings card program available from the manufacturer. Lantus savings card
In a vet that is up to date with the latest diabetes treatments for cats, Lantus(glargine) insulin is the first choice according to the Merck veterinary manual.
Let us know what other questions you may have.
The Lantus 10mL vial will last a long time, 4-6 months with proper storage. Get a prescription for the Solostar pens and they can last to the last drop. Savings card program available from the manufacturer. Lantus savings card
In a vet that is up to date with the latest diabetes treatments for cats, Lantus(glargine) insulin is the first choice according to the Merck veterinary manual.
Merck diabetes
Let us know what other questions you may have.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Hows things going now?
Wendy
Wendy
Sorry I did not see your post sooner!
Shes been doing great and still eating the fancy feast, also I still haven't noticed any new symptoms that would show diabetes. I test her blood sugar periodically as i was told by my new Vet and the last test she had was in the evening and it was 75, ranges have been 70-130 depending when she eats and around 150 w/ her prednisolone at the highest I've seen since.
I still think the reason for the high tests in the Vet were a combination of being sick and stress. I know the Fructosamine test they performed shows her blood sugar over a 2 week interval but she had been sick so it couldn't have been accurate and my thought is they should reschedule for another test once shes better but they just jumped on it and wanted her on Insulin and wanted to do nothing about home testing. I'm just glad i did the research, did home testing and got help from these forums to make a better decision in the end since its about quality of life at her age and she truly did not need to be on insulin and the type they wanted to give her could have easily put her into a diabetic shock.
Thanks for following up with me, that is very thoughtful of you!
Shes been doing great and still eating the fancy feast, also I still haven't noticed any new symptoms that would show diabetes. I test her blood sugar periodically as i was told by my new Vet and the last test she had was in the evening and it was 75, ranges have been 70-130 depending when she eats and around 150 w/ her prednisolone at the highest I've seen since.
I still think the reason for the high tests in the Vet were a combination of being sick and stress. I know the Fructosamine test they performed shows her blood sugar over a 2 week interval but she had been sick so it couldn't have been accurate and my thought is they should reschedule for another test once shes better but they just jumped on it and wanted her on Insulin and wanted to do nothing about home testing. I'm just glad i did the research, did home testing and got help from these forums to make a better decision in the end since its about quality of life at her age and she truly did not need to be on insulin and the type they wanted to give her could have easily put her into a diabetic shock.
Thanks for following up with me, that is very thoughtful of you!
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
70-150 without insulin ?Thats pretty good considering the steroids!
Sounds like everything is going well. Glad to hear it!
Wendy
Sounds like everything is going well. Glad to hear it!
Wendy
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Congratulations! Those numbers look pretty good. I'd recommend keeping an eye on your kitty and testing once a week or so.
Hope your 22 year old girl kitty and you are doing well. (You never did tell us your name or your cat's name)
Hope your 22 year old girl kitty and you are doing well. (You never did tell us your name or your cat's name)
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