Insulin, neuropathy questions

M

Manny2017

Member Since 2025
Hi, my name is Shauna from Alberta, Canada.
My ginger boy is Manny. He is 8 and was diagnosed on Sept 30. He was losing weight through summer and then had troubles jumping on his cat tree, stairs etc. He has been on Caninsulin. Started at 2u and is now at 2.5u since Nov 7. His numbers are better but he has never fully regulated. He can be 17-20 mmol in am and might fall down to 12-14 mmol in the day. His Neuropathy has gotten worse in the sense that he is full plantigrade stance. I was giving him B12 methyl and just recently got him Zobaline from the states which he has been on one tablet a day for 7 days now.

I have a vet visit for his annual shots tomorrow. Ans a diabetic check up.

With everything that I’ve read in these forums, I’m not happy with his numbers and I’m wondering if I should be considering increasing his insulin to three units or making the switch to something like Lantus. My number one concern is getting him regulated with better numbers, but also trying to help with his neuropathy and everything. I’ve read states that will not occur until he is regulated.

This week I’ve really noticed that he wants to eat at 2 AM 4 AM 6 AM and he gets his insulin at 8 AM so I feel like his insulin is wearing off and giving him hunger cues. he is a big boy and his highest weight was 25 pounds before he showed signs of diabetes and he now weighs 16 pounds and had a lot of muscle waste. He is on fancy feast pate and Friskies pate only and he is starting to bulk up in the back again where he had gotten really skinny and his ribs were poking out so I feel that he’s at a healthier weight now, but he was always a big boy when he was younger.

So looking for advice or feedback from the group on what you would recommend or do in my position. Many thanks.
 
Hi Shauna and Manny! Welcome to the FD group. I am also in Alberta, just South of Calgary. 👋

Caninsulin is not a great insulin for cats, it’s actually a dog insulin and is known to hit hard and fast and doesn’t last a full 12 hours due to a cats fast metabolism. The best insulin for cats is either Lantus or Prozinc. Both of these insulins are much easier on a cat and will last 12 hours for better overall numbers. If you think your vet would prescribe either, it would be worth asking. You would need to get different syringes if you do make the change.

Sounds like you are testing Manny’s blood sugar at home and that is great!! Are you using a human or pet meter? Diabetic cats do much better with multiple small meals throughout the day. If his weight is a concern, you could ask the vet what his ideal weight should be and then you can work out how many calories he needs.

With neuropathy, most see improvement once blood sugar is better regulated and the B12 should help.

Please continue to ask questions, should you have more. We are here to help.
 
Welcome Shauna & Manny to FDMB
Feline diabetes is manageable, it is overwhelming at first, but it gets easier, we are her to help you in this journey, there are several protocols to regulate Manny
1. Caninsulin is a dog insulin it hits the cat hard and fast, the best insulins for cats are ProZinc and Lantus they are a 12-hour insulin that's easy in the cats system
2. DIET - Diabetic cats need to have a diet of wet can food or raw between 0-10% carbs, 3 main meals before each shot and several meals or snacks during the day
3. HOME TESTING - it is important to test Manny's glucose level before each shot to avoid hypoglycemia and testing several times during the day, most member use the ReliON Premier human meter and strips, In Canada, any human meter can be used, do not spend $$ on a Pet meter is not necessary

4. We are very numbers oriented so we would like you to create your signature and a spreadsheet for Manny, this way all members can be on the same page and we can assist you with dosing as well links below
Most of us before FD, we free fed our cats with kibbles, these foods including hard treats contain anywhere from 20-30% carbs. FD requires the right insulin and dose, a feeding schedule, with low carb food, Home Testing, and lots of love. The Food transition is a slow process, a sudden change in food causes the glucose level to plumet and stomach upsets. In our Main menu there are many sticky notes with valuable information.
Make you next vet visit by asking a lot of questions, a change in insulin is a must, keep asking question we are here for you 🤗

Sticky - New? How You Can Help Us Help You!
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-create-a-spreadsheet.241706/
Here's a Canads Drs approved Food list
Canadian Food Chart - PC Extra Meaty Line
 
Hello and welcome from the BC coast. Neko was also started on Caninsulin, but that was back in 2011. It used to be the go-to option back then, but more often I've seen our Canadian kitties start out on Lantus (or generic glargine). Neko much preferred Lantus to Caninsulin, and so did I. It lasts much longer, and you are no longer reliant on the vet for insulin or syringes. I also noticed the fact that it wore off early and had to put the kitchen in lock down for 4 hours before the next shot.

If you can enter your test data in the spreadsheet (see post 3 above for links), we'll be able to help you with dosing.
 
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