Hi - looking for support

[MichelleA]

Hi folks - last month my Big boy Jasper was diagnosed with diabetes. As you well know it’s been a challenge to figure out how to handle this new illness especially with two other healthy cats in the house . He’s had two curves done since his initial diagnosis and he’s now up to three units of insulin. I’m wondering how long it takes before a new dose shows a difference in the amount of urine and in his thirst. I upped his dosage from two units to three (after a veterinarian visit) a day and a half ago and his thirst is as great as ever and his urinating is still quite excessive. Oddly he’s thirstiest when he is at his apparent nadir. I haven’t started home testing because with my initial pokes I was not able to get any blood from his little ear and I didn’t want to keep on poking. Has anyone else run into that problem?

 

[JanetNJ]

Hi folks - last month my Big boy Jasper was diagnosed with diabetes. As you well know it’s been a challenge to figure out how to handle this new illness especially with two other healthy cats in the house . He’s had two curves done since his initial diagnosis and he’s now up to three units of insulin. I’m wondering how long it takes before a new dose shows a difference in the amount of urine and in his thirst. I upped his dosage from two units to three (after a veterinarian visit) a day and a half ago and his thirst is as great as ever and his urinating is still quite excessive. Oddly he’s thirstiest when he is at his apparent nadir. I haven’t started home testing because with my initial pokes I was not able to get any blood from his little ear and I didn’t want to keep on poking. Has anyone else run into that problem?

Welcome! I'm glad you are trying to test your cat at home. If you are using the Lamberts that come with the human meter that could be part of the problem.... They are too thin. Get a box of 28 gauge lancets as they are thicker. Warm the ear a bit either with a rice sock or by rubbing the ear with your fingers. Don't be afraid to poke all the way through our do to pokes right away in the same spot. The ear wool learn to bleed after a week or two of testing as new capillaries start to form.

 

[FurBabiesMama]

Welcome! Heating up the ear a little prior to sticking it really does help the blood come easier. I just use a warm, damp washcloth. Then, I use it to apply light pressure and clean up any remaining blood after the test.