Diagnosis of Diabetes

Status
Not open for further replies.
David Lang

David Lang

Member Since 2015
Out vet just diagnosed our 14 year old Seal Point Siamese, Newton, as diabetic based solely upon high blood and urine glucose in the presence of a severe urinary tract infection. I am hesitant to immediately move forward with the insulin treatments he is recommending for several reasons. Newton does not have increased appetite, increased thrust, or weight loss and his blood work from 5 months ago was completely normal. Thanks for this site and all it offers.
 
Hi David, and welcome to you and Newton. :)

Infection can elevate blood glucose levels, as can stress induced by vet visits. Did your vets just measure blood and urine glucose or did they also run a fructosamine test? Also, how high was the blood glucose reading?


Mogs
.
 
To help you determine the right course of action you might want to start home testing Newton's blood glucose levels. If you can let us know which country you're in, we can recommend a suitable glucometer for you. We can also teach you how to home test.

.
 
Hi David and extra sweet Newton! Oh wow! An EMT and lifelong cat dad both - handling this will be easy!

Meter suggestion - Walmart's 'ReliOn' brand either 'Confirm' or 'Micro' models. Those take the smallest drop of blood and sip easily. Don't start off with the 'Prime' model, it's newer but it's just 'cheaper', definitely NOT 'better'. The kit will contain the meter, a lancet device, a few sample strips and few lancets. Since this might be a case of transient diabetes, you might want to get the box of 50 strips that fit those meters (same strips). You'll also need a box of large gauge lancets - maybe 26's/28's - rather than the 'ultra thins'. It will take a bit for Newton's ears to 'learn to bleed' (build extra capillaries), the larger lancets work better for that initial start.

There's LOTS of wonderful in the links at the top of the health forum - we'll gladly help you get started on the path you never wanted to walk.... :) Hopefully this will turn into a blip and not really diabetes! When you run across further questions, just post in the 'Feline Health' forum and someone will answer....knowing this group - MANY someone's will answer! We LOVE new kitties joining us!
 
Here are some useful links on home testing to help you along. Key tips are to make sure the ear is warmed long enough to improve blood flow to the test area, and also to smear a thin film of Vaseline or Neosporin ointment onto the test area so that the blood droplet will bead up instead of wicking into the fur. There's also a link to tell you how to set up a Google spreadsheet in which to store your test results. The spreadsheet is an invaluable tool to help you monitor BG patterns and it will help you with both regulation should that be necessary (as Lyresa says above, this may be a case of transient diabetes) as well as safe dosing. Sharing the spreadsheet will enable experienced members here give you better suggestions when you need help.

Home Testing Hints and Tips (includes how-to videos)

Testing and Shooting Tips (includes a very useful diagram of the ear to show the 'sweet spot' for getting samples more easily.

How to Set Up a Spreadsheet and Link it to Your FDMB Forum Signature

In addition to the spreadsheet link, it is helpful to put both of your names, insulin and glucometer type, plus brief details of any other health issues/medications. Have a look at other members' signatures to get an idea of what to include.

In addition to home blood glucose monitoring, we also recommend using urine test strips to monitor regularly for ketones (e.g. Keto-Diastix). Monitoring of urine glucose levels is very crude, and does not help with gauging whether an insulin dose is safe.



Mogs
.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top