Just diagnosed on Tuesday

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Nicole & Marty

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Hi - On Tuesday I got a voicemail from my vet that my nine year old Marty has diabetes. After the initial shock wore off and we went back to the vet for me to learn how to give him his insulin, I am starting to develop a routine. We go back on Monday for a checkup. I've introduced wet food into his diet, and I changed his dry food to kitten food per the vets request. He has taken to the new food really well, and most of the time, he doesn't mind his shots. The only procedural thing I'm really having a hard time with so far is those darn Glucotest strips in the cat box. I can see a difference in Marty's symptoms already, but those strips still keep turning the darkest color except on the one occassion I managed to catch him in the act. My vet wants me to use them, I wonder if they are accurate after sitting in the cat box after several hours. I've checked the products website and read all the info, but I can't see to find a straight answer. It is really frustrating and nerve wracking. I'm ready to spend more money to get the special cat testing meter even though I'm not thrilled with the idea of having to stick him another time during the day. I worry about his blood sugar constantly, and I blame myself, because he has had symptoms for awhile, but I never thought he was sick. I'm glad I found this board, because it is nice to read what other people have to say. I'm just looking forward to spending more money to go to the check up. I'm already armed with all my excel spreadsheets with glucotest data, eating patterns, and behavior patterns. I just hope the vet can help Marty. I've had him since he was a kitten, and he is definitely part of my family.
 
Welcome Nicole (and Marty, too!)...

You do not have to get an expensive glucometer for animals...a human glucometer works just fine. Many people here get their glucometer from Wal Mart (because the test strips, which can be expensive, cost less there). You can ask Lori for what we call a Newbie Kit by following this link: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=19528. We do encourage home testing and you shouldn't worry about Marty getting extra sticks - once you and he have home testing down, it will just become part of the routine and not a big deal. Information on home testing is here http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=287. You will get more accurate BG readings at home than from the vet (vet stress can raise the BG levels significantly), and will be able to do you own BG curves and provide your vet with that information.

Also, diabetic cats should be on a low carb wet diet. If you look at Janet & Binky's food chart here http://www.felinediabetes.com/diabetic-cat-diets.htm you will find a number of brands (Friskies, Fancy Feast, etc.) that have low carb varieties for Marty to choose from.

You don't mention what insulin Marty is receiving, but you might want to take a look at the forums on this board that relate to the different insulins that are often given.

There are some supplies you will need to have on hand in case Marty has a hypo incident. Information about what you will need and how to handle a hypo are here http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2354 and here http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1122.

You are going to have alot of questions...please post back and we'll do our best to help and support you and Marty!
 
Well I can see Jana beat me to it. =)

Since she has already given you a ton of great information I'm not going to add to the over-load. Just going to add my welcome to you and Marty.

There is a ton great information here and years of collective experience on not only living with and treating feline diabetes but on just about everything feline..lol.

This is all very over-whelming and just a tad bit scary at first, but soon you will have it into a routine like brushing your teeth. You are going to have tons of questions, so just keep posting and we will be here to help you along the way.

Mel
 
CAUTION - If you are changing his food AND continuing his insulin, without using a blood glucose meter, you run the risk of hypoglycemic episode.

The urine strips only show what was going on several hours ago.
 
If you're changing the diet when first starting out on insulin and are still at a low dose -- you should be ok.

It is best to learn how to test blood sugar -- more accurate than testing urine.

We prick the edge of the ear for a tiny blood sample. After you and the kitty get used to it, it is easy and routine. Only takes a couple minutes per day (before each injection)
 
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