Definitely has diabetes, but not acting sick.

[Heather&Dagron]

I just finished a BG "curve" for Dagron. Not much of a curve. I'm concerned that I am doing the right thing because even though all of the numbers say he has diabetes, he just doesn't act like it. The numbers I got today ranged from 469 down to 317, but at no point in that time period was I concerned about him being ketotic. I even went out and bought urine test strips and was lucky enough to catch him peeing - totally negative for ketones. I tested his (nondiabetic) brother too, just to make sure my glucometer is working. His brother's at 83. So how is Dagron getting red-flag numbers and acting perfectly fine?

I know cats are prey animals and often don't act sick, but this is different. I'm in tune enough to notice subtle behavioral changes. The only change he had was not wanting to sleep in my bed for a while. Only very recently started drinking and peeing more, but it's also been hot here and I don't have AC. None of the huddled over, "don't touch me" attitude. No increased moodiness. No acting "drunk" or otherwise out of sorts. In addition, the numbers I got today are pretty consistent with the numbers I have been getting since I started testing him on May 29th.

 

[JanetNJ]

Often drinking and peeing more are the only observable symptoms. That's all my cat did. The problem with the high numbers is that eventually it causes damage to other organs as well as the chance of ketones.

Keep tracking the numbers, and set up a spreadsheet for your signature. If it stays that high you may be due for a dose increase.

 

[Chubba (GA)]

When Gizmo was diagnosed back in February, his numbers were in the 400s and 500s. The only signs i noticed were him drinking more and peeing more. He never acted sick.

 

[tiffmaxee]

Max acted fine too but was drinking and peeing more so a glucose strip showed glucose in his urine and I was at the vet's office the next day. He never had ketones in the three years.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Harvey had no other symptoms, either. I was already on high alert, since he was on Pred for his lymphoma.

It's good that Dagron seems to be feeling well, but those high numbers are not good for him to be in for long periods. If you will set up a spreadsheet and put all your readings so far into it, maybe we can help you figure out if you are at the right dose. DKA is not the only risk from sustained high numbers - kidney damage is generally what does diabetic cats in.

In case you haven't seen it already, here is a post we put together for new members. You will find the link to help you set up your spreadsheet in the third paragraph:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/updated-tips-for-new-members.173572/ If you need help getting started, just ask.

 

[Glennie]

Callie didn't act sick either except for excessive drinking and peeing and weight loss. She was diagnosed in November with a BG of 1000, and the only time I was able to get a ketone test, it was negative. It can be hard to accept that they have such a life-changing diagnosis (because it really does change so much), and I'm so sorry Dagron was diagnosed with it. This is a really good place to get help and support. I have said this several times before to newbies, but I wouldn't have been able to do this without them. Hugs to you!