Just diagnosed

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nanreyn

Member Since 2013
I have just started giving Maggie her insulin shots. She was just diagnosed a week ago, and I have switched her to wet low carb food from her usual dry food and am now starting on the insulin. She is on 1 unit 2x a day. How long does it usually take to show a marked difference in her demeanor. She was such a playful kitty a while back and now just lies around or is begging for food. She is 10. Also, if I'm away from home and can't adhere to the 12 hour time frame sometimes, how bad is that? I have no idea how all this works. Thanks for any help. Nan
 
Hi Nan and her cat Maggie.Welcome to FDMB, the best place you never expected to be.

Maybe you could provide us with a bit more information to help us?

Which insulin?
Which low carb food? Does she like the new low carb food?
Date of diagnosis?

Where do you live? US, Canada, international? State/province/area This helps us top give you country specific advice.
Any other medical issues with Maggie?
Are you home testing?
 
Welcome to FDMB.

We strongly encourage home glucose testing with an inexpensive human glucometer (ex Walmart's ReliOn Prime; Arkray's Glucocard 01); here's when and why:

1) We test before giving insulin (pre-shot) to make sure it is safe to give the shot.

2) We may test at +2 hours after giving insulin to see how fast the glucose is dropping. If the numbers suggest the drop may be too big, we'll continue testing every 2 hours (or sooner if it looks like it'll get below 50 mg/dL on a human glucometer) to identify if we need to intervene.

3) When possible, we test around the expected low point (nadir) to see how low the glucose goes. For Novolin, this is around +3 to +4 hours after the shot. For Prozinc, this is about +5 to +6 hours after the shot. For Lantus, this is +5 to +7 hours after the shot. For Levemir, this is around +6 to +8 hours after the shot.

4) If the glucose goes below 50 mg/dL on a human glucometer, we'll start a testing/feeding/15 minute wait and repeat process until the numbers come up to a safe level.

5) When we have stable dose management, we'll do a curve - testing from pre-shot to pre-shot, every 2 hours. This lets evaluate the dose's effectiveness.
 
Maggie and I are from Rochester NY. Maggie started acting lethargic and was having urinary problems about 6 weeks ago. I took her to the vet who said she couldn't determine anything and to just wait a few weeks to see what developed. She seemed to be getting better so I didn't pursue anything. But she seemed to constantly be begging for food. I have always fed her 3x a day, and I thought she was just teasing me as she knew food was coming soon. She also was drinking a lot of water. It got to the point where she was sleeping all of the time and never playing with her toys like she used to. I went on line to see what could be the problem and decided it was probably thyroid problems. I made an appt. with the vet so she could have a blood test. This was June 27. I never in the world even thought of diabetes, and was really shocked. She did still have a bit of urinary tract problems, and I am giving her amoxicilan twice a day for another 5 days. Anyway, I switched her to wet cat food - Friskies, and also found out that the Walmart brand has some low carb food. Less than 7. I wanted to get her used to her new food before starting on the insulin. She really seems to like it, fortunately. She was on Purina 1 dry food before, always has been. She is on lantus 1 unit to start twice a day. She has to go back to the vet next Thursday for a curve test. The expense of all of this is a little overwhelming. I have started reading all of the web sites and learning all that taking care of her entails. After her vet visit next Thurs. I'm sure she will give me details on what to do re: glucometer, etc.
Anyway, back to my original question, is there usually a marked difference in how she acts, soon after starting the shots, or will she always be lethargic. Thanks
 
Here's the thing, if we can get you to home test Maggie, then you can avoid the cost of taking her to the vet to do a curve.

The problem with taking your cat in testing (curve) is:

1) the vet will change the dose based on this one day of testing, in a stressed cat, not in home environment - that dose change may be dangerous for Maggie.

2) if you are not testing every day - you could potentially endanger Maggie by giving insulin when the BG levels are too low to give it and have a hypo situation, but you may never know because you aren't testing and Maggie may not show signs of a hypo.

I highly recommend buying a meter. If you have a walmart nearby go there and buy the relion brand. It is inexpensive and many people use it to test their cats.

By learning how to test at home, you will be in control and you will learn to know what is happening with Maggie.
 
And you will save yourself a bunch of $$$$ by doing the curve on your own PLUS you don't have to leave your cat at the vet all day. We'll help you! First thing first--if you aren't testing--please buy a human glucometer immediately and start testing--you need to keep your kitty safe :-D We will help you learn to test, should you need help :mrgreen:
 
Ok.

Maggie was diagnosed 6/27/13. She is on an antibiotic for UTI. Very hungry. 1U of lantus BID. Low carb Friskies. Are those the pate style?

Anyway, back to my original question, is there usually a marked difference in how she acts, soon after starting the shots, or will she always be lethargic.
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As Maggie becomes regulated, she will feel better and be less lethargic. It takes time. This new sugardance you are learning with your cat Maggie is more like a slow waltz then a fast rumba. It took time for her to become diabetic. It will take time for her to become regulated and hopefully achieve remission. This is more like a marathon than a sprint.

The new low carb food will help with the numbers. A change from the high carb Purina 1 you were feeding to the low carb wet can drop her BG's 100 points or more. It's the best first step to try unless your cat has ketones or DKA or other complicating health issues.

Infections can raise the BG (blood glucose) numbers as can the ride to the vet and the vet stress phenomenon.

p.s. Most UTI's are sterile and antibiotics do not help. http://www.catinfo.org/?link=urinarytracthealth


ETA: a post on proper storage and handling of the Lantus insulin With care, that vial of insulin may last you 4 to 6 months.
 
Thanks to all of you for all your help. I will buy the glucose meter, but have no idea how to use it. I will take you up on teaching me. I have managed a kind of routine with the insulin, and that is something in itself. Maggie does not like to be held and so every time she senses that I'm going to pick her up she runs. As I said before, it is all overwhelming to me. She has always been so healthy. Thanks again
 
you will need: lancets (27-28 gauge), meter such as walMart ReliOn Confirm (uses .3 blood drop), test strips for meter, a folded tissue or cotton ball to blot.

1) Take a lancet and practice on an apple literally to get a feel for the resistance when pricking. Expirement with lancing pen vs free-handing the lancet to determine what lets you handle and aim the lancet best

2) Test yourself for more realistic practice
- set up the meter with a strip halfway in it
- prick a finger or forearm
- push strip in
- place edge of strip to droplet edge and let it sip up the droplet
- blot
- wait for meter to beep and show number

3) Test the cat
- pick your location - I used a half bathroom with a door
- set up the meter with a strip halfway in it
- optionally, use a blanket to wrap/restrain cat
- prick the outer edge of the ear between the edge and the vein just inside it
- - 3 unsuccessful tries, stop, treat and wait to try again
- - 1 successful try, blot, treat
- - optionally, snag the blood droplet on a clean fingernail
- push strip completely into meter
- place edge of strip to droplet edge and let it sip up the droplet
- wait for meter to beep and show number

It can help to mentally imagine the steps you are going to take (aka "covert practice").

It can help to do some dry runs, bringing the cat to the testing spot, massaging the ear, clicking the lancet pen if used, and treating. This associates most of the process with a positive treat. (aka "shaping")
 
Not sure if we have a member near Rochester NY to help you learn to home test. I can put out a post if you are interested in having someone come to your home to teach you to home test.

We have taught many people over the internet how to do this from these tips and tricks and videos. Why don't you look them over and then ask any questions you may have.

Home testing tips and videos, the how to's of testing home testing tips

Making your cat more accepting of the process. ear testing psychology These tips may help you with the shots too.

Are you using bribes for the shots? Either a food reward or brushing or ear scritchies or something Maggie really, really likes?

Here is a shopping list of supplies new member shopping list

Yes, this is overwhelming. The first 2 weeks are the hardest. Think of this as a crash course, college master's degree level in managing feline diabetes. Pass/fail grading and everyone passes. We will help you all along the way. It gets better and less overwhelming. Really.

In the meantime, remember to do your deep breathing exercises. They helped me when I got Wink and was starting through this new sugardance.
 
Hi: Okay, I just got back from Walmart w/all of the test stuff. I have watched videos on how to test Maggie, but just not sure how she will react. I guess the only way to find out is to do it. This is probably a stupid question, but in everything I have read I don't think I have seen what the values are supposed to be. My vet did not tell me what Maggie's were when she was there, I will call her tomorrow and find out. Anyway, what numbers should I be looking for. I did read that anything over 200 I should not give her her insulin. So please tell me what numbers I should be looking for. In some of the videos they show warming the ear before the prick, but others say nothing about it. I know I'm going to have to wrap her in a towel, and not freak her out any more than I can help it. As I understand it, I should test her first thing in the morning before feeding her and giving her the insulin. Then again before I feed her the next time, and again at night before the next insulin shot. Is this right? I have been giving her a little bit of food several times a day because she is constantly begging for more. Oh, the other thing, she isn't drinking any water. When she was on the dry food she drank a lot. I have been putting some water in with her wet food just to get some in her. She just gobbles up the new wet food. So, I guess I will try this tonight before I feed her and give her the insulin before bed time. ]Wish me luck Thanks for your help
 
Good luck with the testing and insulin shot. How much insulin are you giving Maggie for this first shot?

I did read that anything over 200 I should not give her her insulin.
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Actually, that should be no insulin if the number is under 200, less than 200, <200.

If the number is over 200, more than 200, > 200, you do want to give insulin.

This is probably a stupid question, but in everything I have read I don't think I have seen what the values are supposed to be. My vet did not tell me what Maggie's were when she was there, I will call her tomorrow and find out. Anyway, what numbers should I be looking for
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Normal non-diabetic numbers are 40-130.
Renal threshold is 180-280 depending on the reference source.

With a newly diagnosed cat, you do not want numbers to drop below 50. If you get a number below 50, follow the hypo procedures. Support with food and simple sugar.

As I understand it, I should test her first thing in the morning before feeding her and giving her the insulin. Then again before I feed her the next time, and again at night before the next insulin shot. Is this right?
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Yes, that is correct. Test, feed, shoot. For each 12 hour cycle.

I have been giving her a little bit of food several times a day because she is constantly begging for more. Oh, the other thing, she isn't drinking any water. When she was on the dry food she drank a lot. I have been putting some water in with her wet food just to get some in her. She just gobbles up the new wet food.
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Yeah, for her loving the wet food. What kind and flavors is she eating?

Often, with the change to wet food, cat's stop drinking water from the water dish. They are getting their water needs from the wet food. I add about 1 tablespoon of water, stir until applesauce consistency, and serve. This week was the first time in 3 months I had seen one of my cats drink out of the water dish. It's hot here though.

Pull up the skin on the scruff of her neck. If it goes right back down, she is not dehydrated. You can also press on her gum. Should go white and then right back to pink. If it stays white, she is dehydrated.
 
Hi: Didn't do her glucose this a.m. She is always so hungry in the morning, that I didn't have the heart to make her wait while I messed around with the glucose meter the first time. Will do that before her next feeding. I am giving her Friskies Special Diet Pate (Ocean Whitefish - 3 carbs, Turkey & Giblets - 5 carbs and Salmon - 5 carbs. Also have some 9-lives that haven't opened yet. Ground Chicken and tuna dinner - 4 carbs., I have also found the Walmart brand Special Kitty 13 oz. has some low carbs. Mixed Grill Dinner - 3 carbs, and Super Supper - 4 carbs. and of course Walmart is cheaper. I think it was $.79 for the 13 oz. I called the vet this morning and got her count when she was there on the 27th. It was 421. I also read somewhere that a Vit E capsule 1 or 2x a week is good for them. Ever hear of that? So again, thanks for your help. Will let you know how the first glucose thing is. Nan and Maggie
 
Those sound like good food choices.

Let us know when you get your first successful BG test. If you get a test within about 15 minutes of her starting to eat, it should not have a food influence in the number. You can always test at other times of the day.
 
Today I was finally able to get a blood sample. I did it at noon just before feeding her and 3 hours after insulin shot. It was 80. Is this good? I'll do it again a couple of times hopefully before her night insulin. Is it best to test the blood before or after a meal. I've probably read all of this info before, but can't remember now. Thanks Nan & Maggie
 
Hi Nan,

And well done, you, for getting Maggie's first home test! Yay!!! :-D

80 is a beautiful number, right in the middle of the normal range for a cat.
As the test was taken 4 hours after her shot she may still drop a bit lower than this. What insulin is she on?

Edited to add: OK, I just had a re-read of your posts and see that Maggie is on one unit of Lantus twice a day.

Eliz
 
Nan,

Would you be willing to add some information to your signature so we can help you better? Here are the detailed instructions. We'd really appreciate it.

Would you please provide us with some more information and put this in your user control panel? It helps us to help you better. This will take about 5 minutes of your time.
Think of this as having some very useful information at our finger tips for those that are replying to your posts. One reason we like to see this information in your signature is because if there is ever an emergency situation like a possible hypoglycemic episode, we don’t have to ask a lot of questions like what meter you are using to give you the best advice. Doing this signature update is totally optional, but it does help us to help you better.
If you are willing to do this, would you please do those updates when you get a chance? Thanks.
Go to the upper left corner of your screen and click on the words, User Control Panel
On the next screen, a row of tabs is presented. Select the Profile tab
On the next screen, there are a number of choices along the left hand side. Select Edit Profile.
Go down to the location field and enter your country, state/province, and city if you are willing to share that info.
Click on submit to save this change.

Still in the User Control Panel, Profile tab, this time select Edit Signature from the left hand list of options.
A free form text box appears.
We like to see information like your name, your cats name age and sex, the diagnosis date for the diabetes like this (DX 4/30/13), what meter you are using for testing, what insulin you are using , what you are feeding (wet or dry, what brands/style of food), any complicating health issues your cat may have, any additional medications your cat is receiving. If you are using a pet specific meter like an Alphatrak or Ipet, please change the font size on that text from Normal to Large (using the drop down arrow list in the middle of the editing commands)

Click on submit to save this information. Now, this will appear at the end of every post you make. You can update the info when you need to.

There is an additional document you can create to provide even more information about your cat. This is also optional to create this google document and link it into your signature. The profile is in addition to the synopsis info in your signature. See this link on the how to's of profile creation. http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=79123
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Great job on the testing. I am a little concerned about the 80 though. It is a good number but Lantus works on a 12 hour cycle with peak at six hours after the shot so she may have dropped further and too low. Did you get any more tests after that? I recommend a test always before every shot, then at 5-7 hours after the shot midday and one before bed.

So can you set up a spreadsheet? That will allow you, your vet, and us to see whats going onhttp://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18207

Also as a newbie I would not advise shooting under 200 until you have data to know what to expect - another reason for the spreadsheet. If you do see a preshot number under 200 please come on here and ask for advice. remember to not feed 2 hours before the shot so the preshot test isny influenced by food. If you get a preshot under 200, dont shoot, dont feed - stall 30 minutes and meanwhile ask for advice.

Wendy
 
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