FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor

[Darlene Richard]

Hi,
My cat was recently diagnosed with Diabetes. My Vet suggested using the Freestyle Libre until we get his insulin dose figured out. I actually really like it and it has been helping.

My question is dietary. My cat is also dealing with Kidney Disease stage 2 and is taking blood pressure pills.

We have been trying to manage is insulin based on his kidney diet. But I would like to think there is a cat food out there that is low in Carbohydrates and Phosphorus.

So far the Royal Canin D seems to be the best option.

Anyone had experience with this food?

Thanks so much
Darlene

 

[squeem3]

Many people use the food chart on this web site to find low carb foods suitable for both diabetes and kidney issues: https://www.felinecrf.org/

These might be helpful for non-prescription food:

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/pate-food-recommendations-low-carb-low-phos-poultry.273963/
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/novel-protein-low-carb-low-phosphorous-diets.277951/

Can you tell us more about your cat? Insulin, any ketones, symptoms that led to the diagnosis, etc?

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

The Royal Canin is actually high in carbohydrates. The Glycobalanc (their "diabetic food) is 14% carb and the Renal food ("D") is 16% carb. We consider a low carb diet as under 10%. Most of the members here feed their cat a diet that is in the neighborhood of 5% carb. The links that were provided above are appropriate for diabetic cats that are having kidney issues.

 

[Darlene Richard]

Hello,

Thank you for the information.

Bailey was diagnosed with CKD about 3 years ago. It was based on his blood work that I had done quit often.

Bailey also had Cryptococcus in 2018 that took over a year of medication to get rid of.

But we have been focusing on his CKD with diet (KD, Royal Canin, Purina etc) adding Potassium to his diet. And having blood work every 4 months.

But this summer I kept questioning my vet about diabetes because he was drinking so much and constantly begging for food. They said the results were likely caused by stress from coming into the vet. Finally in November 2024, I could tell he was not right because he was stumbling like he was drunk.... sofound a new vet and did a fructosamin test and it was Diabetes.

Started the insulin at 1 units, and a Renal diet. He was reading between 15-20. Increased to 1.5 and he did better but still high. Slowly worked up to 2 units and he was doing pretty good. BUT, no one told me that insulin expires after 28 days of being opened. And I had taken the expired Libre sensor off him. I kept doing my research, talking to the pharmacist when I learned of the expiry. So, back on fresh insulin and a new sensor. Poor guy was reading 18-22 and had to slow increase to 3 units a few days ago. It worked ok for the first day but now he is back up to the 15 range.

So, next step is finding a food that is suitable for both Kidney and Diabetes.

 

[squeem3]

What is the name of the insulin? Some insulins can last longer than a month if properly handled and stored.

Can you add a signature to your posts? There's info here on how to set one up: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-how-you-can-help-us-help-you.216696/ Having all the pertinent info about your cat in your signature helps members from constantly asking the basics (name of insulin, name of cat, link to spreadsheet, country you live in, etc) over and over again.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

So, next step is finding a food that is suitable for both Kidney and Diabetes.

@Darlene Richard
Low carb and low phosphorus for kidney disease

if you tap on this link and look at post #32 I listed some Weruva pates for another member that's low carb/ low phosphorus with kitties withCKD
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-member-11-8-and-i-am-tired.283363/#post-3124085

You want the metabolizable energy profile percentage of carbs to be less than 10%, and the phosphorus which Weruva lists in Minerals to be less than 250 mg per 100 cals. So you have to look at two different places in the Weruva charts. This is where I was told where to look by a member


You can even check out the soulistic pates
https://www.soulisticpet.com/pate
When you click in one of the flavors then click on
COMPLETE NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (link to page)
and look at the same two places like on the weruva

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

no one told me that insulin expires after 28 days of being opened.

@Darlene Richard
If you are using Lantus or a generic form

That 28 days just refers for humans . A cartridge or pen could last about 6 months depending on how many units your cat is getting

it is designed for humans to last 28 days and be carried in a purse or pocket. We keep it in the refrigerator so it will last much longer. You should be able to use it to the last drop if you store it correctly.


That 28 day is for humans , one pen should last you at least 6 months kept in the middle shelf of the fridge. I used each pen to the last drop

Lantus/glargine is an insulin that was only tested on humans and humans use a considerably larger dose than cats. The manufacturer's tests lasted only 28 days since that's how long they assumed humans would need a prescription for.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

If you look on Gabby's spreadsheet in the comments, you'll see when I started a new pen (providing I remembered to make a note). I typically got at least 3 - 4 months from a pen. The size of the dose will obviously have an effect on how quickly you use all of the insulin. Like Diane noted, I was able to use the pen to the last drop of insulin.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I hav´used a vial of Lantus for over 1 year (til used up) w/o problem. It was in the fridge unless I was drawing the insulin out.