Is he diabetic?

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BobsMom

BobsMom

Member Since 2009
What is an appropriate BG reading for a non-diabetic cat. I took my cat in to the vet on Tuesday and his was in the 220's. The vet is doing a fructosamine test as I brought him in because he was walking funny (not on his hocks, I actually thought it may be arthritis) and it turns out he has lost over 1 lb in 4 months. He is eating, drinking, pooping and peeing normally.

I am scared out of my wits, because he will not be an easy cat to give a needle to if he is diabetic. I have had him for 12 years and I am so scared. I get the results tomorrow, but thought maybe the experience of the people on this message board would have some ideas.



Thanks,
Nancy
 
Normal for a cat on a human meter is 50-120 (80-150 on an animal meter). If that 220 was obtained at the vet's office, it may not be a valid number because stress can inflate single blood glucose tests--the fructosamine results will determine if 220 was really his blood sugar level.

If 220 was a valid reading, your cat would be considered a sub-clinical diabetic. The first recommended step is getting rid of the dry food, and feeding a low carb, canned diet. This is healthier for all cats anyway, so I would highly recommend just doing this now, especially if your cat is older (canned food is needed too maintain kidney health). For many sub-clinical cats, the diet change is enough to get blood sugar levels back down to a normal range. It's like telling a pre-diabetic senior to cut out the donuts and potato chips and eat healthier--it makes a large difference.

Your cat may also have a different condition that is temporarily inflating his blood glucose--dental problems and infection are two common issues. If he's in pain from arthritis, that could also be mildly elevating his BG levels.
 
Even if he is not diabetic changing his food to an all low-carbed canned food diet or raw would lower his numbers on an everyday basis. So that could be something to consider.
 
Thanks, I guess that I should have mentioned that being Bob's mom did teach me something. My cats eat only the low carb fancy feast. I admit that I do give them dry, but it is Evo which I believe is 7% carbs. I find out today and I am just very anxious.

Thanks again.

Nancy
 
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