How much to feed

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Sandy&Tommy

Sandy&Tommy

Member Since 2013
I am a newbie in feline diabetes, though am well versed in human diabetes. To make a long story short so that I don't bore you with detail, My Tommy was diagnosed a few days ago. Since I like to research topics that involve my loved ones, and since I love Tommy, I spent some research time on this subject. I know I need to (and have done so) change to wet low carb food, but since I've always fed free-choice dry food, I have no idea how much to feed Tommy his new wet food. He is 13 pounds, down from 19 pounds a year ago. Thank you for your help.
 
Is he on insulin right now?

If yes, STOP.
Before you can do a food change safely, you should be hometesting for safety!

You will need a human glucometer, such as the WalMart ReliOn Confirm (aka Arkray USA Glucocard 01 from our shopping partner ADW, link at top of page), test strips (always have a spare box!), and 26-27 gauge lancets for pricking the outer edge of the ear or the paw pad.

If no, make food changes 20-25% per day to reduce GI tract upsets. Friskies pates and Fancy Feast Classic Pates are both low carb and inexpensive.
 
Yes he is on insulin and I will be getting a meter tomorrow. I will go back to his other food until I can test him. I should have known to wait, but I do know he is still drinking a lot of water and peeing a lot too. What if I mix some of the wet and dry together? Or I do have wet food that isn't low carb, would that be alright until I start testing? Thank you so much for your help.
 
Right now, he will most likely be very hungry until you get his glucose levels under control. This is because his body is not processing food correctly. So feed him as much as he needs. Once you get his levels regulated, you should see his appetite also level off.
 
While you work on learning to home test, take a look at my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for additional methods to assess how he is doing.
 
We can tell you how much to feed as a rough starting point based on his weight and what kind of food you are feeding him - but until he is regulated its best to feed him and weigh him every few weeks and adjust the food amount accordingly.

What kind of insulin is it?

Wendy
 
I actually bought the meter today. Where do I go to see how to do home testing procedures? After seeing the other posts to my original one I've mixed a higher carb food with the low carb until I learn how to test. He really loves the wet food as he was a dry food eater. Tommy has never been a fussy eater and was 20+ lbs to prove it! He is now 13.3lbs, which in reality is probably a better weight. I'm just sad he had to lose it this way. His vet has started him on ProZinc (3 units BID), which she actually gave me since one of her other patients recently died and the unopened insulin was donated back for whoever was in need. Since money is a factor, she suggested to go to Walmart (yes, the vet!) and said that for around $25 I could buy Novolin N. She explained to me about the U40/U100 differences and I also saw that here on different posts. As I stated in my first post I'm not new to human diabetes. My daughter was diagnosed at age 7 with type 1 and is now 34 and very healthy! I also am a primary caregiver for a diabetic gentleman in a group home. He was out of control 3 years ago when I came onboard. His last A1c was 5.2. Anyway, I'm always up for the challenge and am confident that Tommy will get the best care possible with myself in his corner. I know I will have more questions, and have already read many different threads. Thank you so much for your help and support!
 
OMGosh, I just did a test, and with a little coaxing he let me do it! YEA! Ok, so the first try went through his ear and into my finger.... the second try was perfect. His BG was 436 so I know we have work ahead of us. I watched a few videos, and chose not to use the lancet device, as he might not like the sound. I had picked up a pair of baby socks and put some rice into it, warming it up. I did a dry run first, loving on him while rubbing his ears. I'm so proud of him that he actually let me do it. What a trooper!Hopefully he and I will get into the routine so that it won't take so long. :-D
 
Velcum to ze Vampire Club, bwah hah hah, hah!
 

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I am getting in the groove. dancing_cat I figured that I would give the spreadsheet a try since this was my first day at testing Tommy. I like recording data, and I need lots of help with regulating Tommy. I work A LOT so I may need to catch up with my recordings every couple of days. I am soooo glad I found this site. I feel like I don't have to do this on my own now. Thank you, thank you.
 
Good job on the testing and SS... you are giving PZI right? here is more info:http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=32799

The key with dosing is to see how low its taking him and adjust accordingly. Give every new dose 3 days before changing unless he drops under 50 in which case you should reduce. So its important to measure mid -cycle to see how low he is going.

I usually recommend 4 tests a day

- always before the shot - this is mandatory as you don't want to shoot when too low. As a newbie this too low number is 200 but is reduced over time once you have the data to know if its safe.
- mid cycle - 5-8 hours after morning shot depending on your schedule. This is to see how low he is going. The low point "nadir" is what you base dose changes on since you don't want him dropping too low (under 50).
- before bed (2-3hours after Pm shot) to get an idea of what his overnight plans are. If this number is less than the pre shot test number you may want to set the alarm for a test a few hours later as this implies an active cycle.


Wendy
 
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