? Is Mocha starting an OTJ trial?

Anoud&Mocha

Anoud&Mocha

Member Since 2026
Mocha Previous Thread


Hi everyone 🤍

I’d really appreciate your thoughts on Mocha’s current numbers and where you think we are in this process.

Mocha’s last insulin dose was 0.5U Lantus on September 21, and she has been completely off insulin since then. Her actual ear-prick readings have been mostly around 80 mg/dL lately, although the Libre has sometimes shown much lower numbers than the handheld.

Her Libre unfortunately fell off, so I’m wondering what would be best during this period:

  • Do you think Mocha is currently in an OTJ trial, or is it still too early to say?
  • Since the Libre is gone, would checking her with the handheld around 3 times a day be enough for now, or would you recommend putting another Libre on her during this period?
  • Looking at her recent numbers overall, how do you feel she is doing? Do her numbers look like she is regulating on her own?
  • Her last Fructosamine test was on September 4 ,do you recommend repeating it now that she has been off insulin for a while, and when is the best time to run it to confirm remission?
Also, I wanted to ask about Vitamin B12. Since Mocha has some hind leg nerve weakness, I was wondering if B12 supplement would be appropriate for her. Is this specific type from iHerb safe and okay for Mocha to take? NOW Foods, Methyl B-12, 5,000 mcg

I’d really appreciate your thoughts on whether we should continue monitoring her as we are or if there is anything else you would recommend during this stage. 🤍
 
Just wanted to share a picture of the sweet girl herself saying hello to you all! 🤍

IMG_9920.jpeg
 
Hi Anoud,

Goodness! It appears that the exquisitely beautiful Mocha has just been quietly going into remission over here, hasn't she? Here is the information regarding starting OTJ trials: Info - Reminder: *earning* reductions and starting OTJ trials

Mocha has been without insulin and consistently under 100 since 9/29 with the exception of today's AMPS number, which at only 103, is well within meter variance of being under 100.

My question would be when the OTJ trial actually started, likely 9/29. @Sienne and Gabby (GA) @Christie & Maverick

Here are the directions for starting an OTJ trial:
  • Start the trial on the next green pre shot.
  • If he/she is green at your normal test times, no need to test further until the next "PS" time; just feed small meals and go about your day. If he/she is blue at your normal "PS", feed a small meal and test again after about 3 or 4 hours. If his/her number is lower 3-4 hours after a meal, then the pancreas is working!
  • Post every day so we can monitor your progress and see if any tweaks are needed. Please use the “OTJ Trial” dropdown prefix on your subject line every day so we can closely monitor the trial.
  • He/she may have a sporadic blue number. Don't panic but post before you decide whether to shoot so we can have a discussion.
  • After 14 days of no insulin, we have a party!!
Sometimes the trial doesn't work the first time and we have to give a little more support in the form of resuming insulin. It's not the end of the world if that happens; we just give him/her the support needed. Our goal is a strong remission and it's better to take our time to get that than to rush into remission just to have it fail later on.

Once he/she is through the trial successfully, you enter a new phase. Your cat is still diabetic but has now become diet-controlled. Continue feeding low carb food in the manner successful for your kitty. If you decide to change his/her feeding schedule, let your meter be your guide to the best times to feed. Avoid medications with sugar in them and steroid medications unless they are medically essential. Continue testing blood glucose weekly for the first month and then monthly forever. It's a good idea to weigh him/her monthly. Weight should remain stable. If he/she seems "off" or sick, or is showing signs of diabetes (excessive drinking, eating, urinating, weight loss), test his/her blood glucose right away. Keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy; dental issues can bring a cat out of remission. If you see rising blood glucose numbers, it's time for a visit to the vet!
 
Liz & Crowley said:
What a beautiful picture!! I'm glad to hear she's doing so well!!! If you do decide to give her the b12 supplements, you can also add folic acid to help with the absorption!
Click to expand...
Thank you so much, Liz! 🤍 Do you have a specific type or brand of B12 that you would recommend? And do you think the one I posted would be okay for Mocha, or is it better to use a supplement specifically made for cats?
 
Mary & Jude said:
Hi Anoud,

Goodness! It appears that the exquisitely beautiful Mocha has just been quietly going into remission over here, hasn't she? Here is the information regarding starting OTJ trials: Info - Reminder: *earning* reductions and starting OTJ trials

Mocha has been without insulin and consistently under 100 since 9/29 with the exception of today's AMPS number, which at only 103, is well within meter variance of being under 100.

My question would be when the OTJ trial actually started, likely 9/29. @Sienne and Gabby (GA) @Christie & Maverick

Here are the directions for starting an OTJ trial:
  • Start the trial on the next green pre shot.
  • If he/she is green at your normal test times, no need to test further until the next "PS" time; just feed small meals and go about your day. If he/she is blue at your normal "PS", feed a small meal and test again after about 3 or 4 hours. If his/her number is lower 3-4 hours after a meal, then the pancreas is working!
  • Post every day so we can monitor your progress and see if any tweaks are needed. Please use the “OTJ Trial” dropdown prefix on your subject line every day so we can closely monitor the trial.
  • He/she may have a sporadic blue number. Don't panic but post before you decide whether to shoot so we can have a discussion.
  • After 14 days of no insulin, we have a party!!
Sometimes the trial doesn't work the first time and we have to give a little more support in the form of resuming insulin. It's not the end of the world if that happens; we just give him/her the support needed. Our goal is a strong remission and it's better to take our time to get that than to rush into remission just to have it fail later on.

Once he/she is through the trial successfully, you enter a new phase. Your cat is still diabetic but has now become diet-controlled. Continue feeding low carb food in the manner successful for your kitty. If you decide to change his/her feeding schedule, let your meter be your guide to the best times to feed. Avoid medications with sugar in them and steroid medications unless they are medically essential. Continue testing blood glucose weekly for the first month and then monthly forever. It's a good idea to weigh him/her monthly. Weight should remain stable. If he/she seems "off" or sick, or is showing signs of diabetes (excessive drinking, eating, urinating, weight loss), test his/her blood glucose right away. Keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy; dental issues can bring a cat out of remission. If you see rising blood glucose numbers, it's time for a visit to the vet!
Click to expand...
Thank you so much! 🥹🤍 I honestly wasn’t sure when to consider the OTJ trial officially started, so this is really helpful.

Just to make sure I’m counting correctly, would today (10/5) be Day 7 of Mocha’s OTJ trial if we consider 9/29 as Day 1?
 
Anoud&Mocha said:
Thank you so much! 🥹🤍 I honestly wasn’t sure when to consider the OTJ trial officially started, so this is really helpful.

Just to make sure I’m counting correctly, would today (10/5) be Day 7 of Mocha’s OTJ trial if we consider 9/29 as Day 1?
Click to expand...
If no one else weighs in to the contrary, that's what I'd go for. When you post again, put the "otj" flag up and write "Day 7 of OTJ trial." Congratulations on Day 6!!
 
Anoud&Mocha said:
Thank you so much, Liz! 🤍 Do you have a specific type or brand of B12 that you would recommend? And do you think the one I posted would be okay for Mocha, or is it better to use a supplement specifically made for cats?
Click to expand...
I used the ones from Nutricost, so not a pet specific brand at all (the brand I get my own supplements from!). Nothing jumps out as problematic to me in the ingredient list, but I'm not an expert. Generally you want to stay away from anything flavored!
 
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