My baby boy Pumba

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Natela Chubinidze

Natela Chubinidze

Member Since 2022
Hello to All humans and sweet kitties!I hope you are doing well.
Few days ago my sweet baby boy my Pumba who is almost 15 years old Russian Blue big handsome boy been diagnosed with diabetes.I am extremely stressed and I don’t know how to start my story.I had my sweet baby from 2007 and he is my biggest gift from God and my every day blessing!
Very recently he start loosing weight,drinking lots of water and urinating very often.I make appointment with a new veterinarian and we did complete blood work and urinalysis.His glucose level been very high.I paid full amount for vet visit and asked if can accept payment plan in future.The told NO.
Veterinarian never called back and checked how my boy is doing.
I got for him insulin pen and started giving insulin every 12 hours (2 units)
I received free Relion premier glucose meter.Unfortunately this glucometer is not working well and giving me error messages.
I exchanged for a new one and the same problem.I can’t even express how sad and scared I am!We have appointment with other veterinarian september 1 st and I don’t know how I can pay.
I am buying a Fancy Feast Classic Pate wet food for my sweet baby boy and I got for him royal Canin prescription dry food for diabetic kitties.
I continue giving him insulin dose without knowing his glucose level.He is eating very well.Still drinking lots of water and peeing a lot .I like to ask you other kitty owners any suggestions you have for me?
Thank you so much !
Sincerely,Natela(Natalie)
 
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Hi Natela and Pumba and welcome to the forum.
Can you tell me what type of insulin you are using please? It sounds as if you may be using Lantus if you are using a pen. 2 units is a bit higher of a dose than we would have suggested.

I’m not sure why your ReliOn premier meter is not working as they are fairly reliable? I will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom as she may have used that meter and may be able to pinpoint the problem for you.
It is is important we get the problem sorted out so you can start testing the blood glucose levels.

Are you feeding Pumba before every dose and then giving a couple of snacks during the cycles?

Why do you need another appointment with another vet? Maybe if you tell us what the problem is we may be able to help you.

The FF classic pates are good but there is no need to feed the prescription foods.However don’t change the food at all until you are testing the blood glucose and we can see how he is going on that dose.
It is always very stressful in the beginning but you will get used to it and be more comfortable as time goes by and you learn more about diabetes.
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
Hi Natela and Pumba and welcome to the forum.
Can you tell me what type of insulin you are using please? It sounds as if you may be using Lantus if you are using a pen. 2 units is a bit higher of a dose than we would have suggested.

I’m not sure why your ReliOn premier meter is not working as they are fairly reliable? I will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom as she may have used that meter and may be able to pinpoint the problem for you.
It is is important we get the problem sorted out so you can start testing the blood glucose levels.

Are you feeding Pumba before every dose and then giving a couple of snacks during the cycles?

Why do you need another appointment with another vet? Maybe if you tell us what the problem is we may be able to help you.

The FF classic pates are good but there is no need to feed the prescription foods.However don’t change the food at all until you are testing the blood glucose and we can see how he is going on that dose.
It is always very stressful in the beginning but you will get used to it and be more comfortable as time goes by and you learn more about diabetes.
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Good day Bron and Sheba!How are you doing?Thank you so much for your message!I have a million questions to ask.Answering your question first.Yes I am using Lantus Solostar Pen for my sweet boy Pumba.2 units morning and 2 units night .
We need a new vet appointment because I am extremely stressed and worry if my Pumba has a very high glucose level or not???
Because I can’t check his glucose level with the meter I have now.This is the second one and the same problem.
I continue giving him insulin not knowing if he really need or not??
About food I gave him classic pate by Fancy Feast.
NO MORE TEMPTATIONS FOR HIM!
I am constantly worry about my baby boy.I hope you understand!
How many years your beauty Sheba has diabetes?
I also very confused because many articles about cat diabetes stating completely different suggestions about food,insulin,active life style.My boy always been overweight and I feel so guilty!
He still drinking lots of water and peeing so much.Almost always hungry!This is the reason I need to see a vet.
Have a wonderful day to you and Sheba!
Sincerely,Natela and Pumba
 
About the Relion Premier I don't know why you could keep getting g error messages on both if them, look in the booklet and see what they mean, there should be pictures in the booklet, Try it on yourself too I just wanted to let you know that Bron's kitty Sheba passed away in 2017.
Do you see the (GA) under her picture, when a kitty passes the GA means gone ahead
I just wanted to tell you in case you see it on someone else's pic :cat:
 
Hello!Thank you for your message!I know for sure this meters not working.I tried in my self to so many times and I have lots of experience with human diabetes.I worked before at hospital and had many diabetic patients.
I will try to buying Alphatrack because I can’t be more stressed what is going on.I think I am loosing my mind.
Many Blessings to you and your sweet kitty
 
Natela Chubinidze said:
One more question!How many times I need to take glucose per day?
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First thing in the morning, then maybe at +3 ( that means 3 hours after giving insulin, the at +6, same thing at night.
You want to test at different times switch them up
You can read about Lantus and our 2 dosing methods here , read all the yellow stickys that are there
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-levemir-biosimilars.9/

Can I ask where do you live We use the + numbers because we all live in different time zones

We adjust the dose on how low our cats BG is dropping not the Pre Shots
Learn how YOUR kitty is responding to insulin:
  • Onset - the length of time before insulin reaches the bloodstream & begins lowering blood glucose
  • Peak/Nadir - the lowest point in the cycle
  • Duration - the length of time insulin continues to lower blood glucose
  • How to do a Curve - a simple explanation
An easier explanation on how to do a curve
After 1 week at a given dose perform a 12 hour curve, testing every 2 hours OR perform an 18 hour curve, testing every 3 hours. Note: Random spot checks are often helpful to "fill in the blanks" on kitty's spreadsheet. The goal is to learn how low the current dose is dropping kitty prior to making dose adjustments.

You would do a curve when following the SLGS method

The Royal Cabin dry food is also high in carbs just like the Temptations
 
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Can you set up your signature
To set up your signature which you will see is at the end of everyone's post in gray, click on your name up top and then tap on the word signature and add this information
  • Add info we need to help you:
    • Caregiver & kitty's name
    • DX: Date
    • Name of Insulin (do not include dose or frequency)
    • Name of your meter
    • Diet: "LC wet" or "dry food" or "combo"
    • Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
    • DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
    • Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)
    • Spreadsheet link. Please put the signature link on the bottom line of your signature information, on its own, so it is easy to find.
    • Please do not put any information about your location in the signature for security reasons. If you wish to add your country location, please add it to your profile.
Be sure to click the 'Save Changes' button at the bottom. If you need help urgently it is important we know these things at a glance. We don’t want to waste valuable time finding out information.
You might want to set up our spreadsheet where we track our cats BG so we can follow along and give you advice about the dose if needed
We can also have someone set it up for you just ask
Take a look at mine
The spreadsheet is easier than it looks
Just some info about it look at mine at the end of my signature it says Tyler's spreadsheet to get a look at it, you can look at anyone's spreadsheet

About the spreadsheet
AMPS - means AM Pre Shot the first test you take in the AM ,you need to withhold food 2 hours before testing so it's not food influenced

Units is where you would put how much insulin you gave
+1 is one hour after giving insulin if you were to test then that's where you enter his _BG number
+2 two hours after giving insulin. ditto
+3 and so on until you get to PMPS - PM pre shot withhold food 2 hours before testing

+1 same as you do for AM cycle

We don't give times because we are all in different time zones that's why we use the + numbers
 
We use the U-100 syringes with half unit markings because with using the pen you can only adjust by full units, We adjust the dose by 0.25 units. Even though the half units syringes adjust by 0.5 units they are easier if you need to adjust by 0.25 units
Are you using the syringes to draw out of the pen?

We use the pens just like a vial , just stick the syringe in the gray rubber stopper and draw out your insulin
Just take the cap off the pen and use a U100 syringes and pull the insulin out of the pen!
syringe-in-pen-pic-jpg.45006


30-unit-insulin-syringe-markings.jpg
 
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Thank you so much Dianne for all info!I need to read everything carefully!I am still in work meeting.I will going to complete our profile later.Lots of information and my head is really pounding!

Have a wonderful day!
 
Natela Chubinidze said:
Thank you so much Dianne for all info!I need to read everything carefully!I am still in work meeting.I will going to complete our profile later.Lots of information and my head is really pounding!

Have a wonderful day!
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I understand no rush things will get easier ,the membets here are so very helpful, without their advice I wouldn't have gotten Tyler in remission.
 
Natela Chubinidze said:
Can I send a pics of errors I am receiving?
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You can send them to me, I have the same meter I can check the booklet for you :)
The one I get most often is Error 4, which is when the drop of blood is too small (so annoying).
Also, I'm moving to Richmond, VA in October, so if you still need help by then I'd be happy to drive to you and do what I can!
 
Hello!I hope you and your baby kitty is doing well!Thank you so much for your message!Unfortunately the website didn’t allowed to upload a picture.This is very weird!
I will going to try again!
Honestly I really dislike this glucose meter.Many veterinarians not happy with this brand and saying this meter design only for people and not good for cats glucose reading.
 
Natela Chubinidze said:
Hello!I hope you and your baby kitty is doing well!Thank you so much for your message!Unfortunately the website didn’t allowed to upload a picture.This is very weird!
I will going to try again!
Honestly I really dislike this glucose meter.Many veterinarians not happy with this brand and saying this meter design only for people and not good for cats glucose reading.
Click to expand...
@Virginie
 
Natela Chubinidze said:
Hello!I hope you and your baby kitty is doing well!Thank you so much for your message!Unfortunately the website didn’t allowed to upload a picture.This is very weird!
I will going to try again!
Honestly I really dislike this glucose meter.Many veterinarians not happy with this brand and saying this meter design only for people and not good for cats glucose reading.
Click to expand...
I have been using it for the past three weeks, since my cat Chewie got diagnosed, and haven't had any issues with it.
First piece of advice: make sure you put the drop of blood (I scoop it up from the ear with my thumb fingernail) to the end of the strip, not on top! The blood has to be "sucked" from the little white part at the very end of the strip to the tiny window you can see on top. If you put the drop of blood on the window, it won't work.

Here are the possible error codes:

Er 1: a used test strip was used. This can happen if you try to put blood on the strip when the meter has already automatically turned off. You turn it back on and it thinks you are using an old test strip. It's very annoying. To avoid: make sure you insert the test strip right before you are ready to poke your cat's ear, not too early.

Er 2: The blood sample was applied before the blood droop symbol appeared on the screen. To avoid: make sure to wait for the "beep" and the symbol on the screen to add the blood to the test strip.

Er 3: The thermometer isn't stabilized yet. To avoid: wait 30 minutes then retry.

Er 4: The blood sample is too small or blood is too thick. You will learn after a few time how big the drop of blood needs to be for the meter to work. I would say it's the size of half a grain of rice maybe? If you get this you will need to discard the strip and insert a new one.

Er 5: Wrong type of strip used (for instance a ReliOn Prime instead of Premier).

Er 6-9: Booklet says "there is something wrong with the meter" and to call Customer service at 1-855-776-0662
 
Virginie I tried so many times and it’s really big headache.I am very familiar with people diabetes.My ex been type 2 diabetic and I administer insulin and did so many times glucose testing working at hospital.I never had any problem.
With this glucose meter is always problem and I can’t take this anymore.I am going to return this glucose meter to Walmart and going to order Alphatrack from Chewy’s.
Maybe sound like I am nuts!
I have enough anxiety with my sweet Pumba’s diabetes!
I hope your sweet kitty ‍⬛ is doing well.
 
Thank you so much Diane!I really appreciated!I think I need see veterinarian and he need to see my Pumba.I am worry my boy really need insulin or not?I gave him every day blind doses now knowing his glucose level.
 
Hi again. I would really recommend you stay with a human meter as our dosing methods are based on the human meter and not the alphatrak meter.
All vets used human meters until the pet meter was invented several years ago. the alphatrak meter strips are very expensive to buy also.
I have not heard of many complaints with the ReliOn meters.
 
Happy Friday Bron and Sheiba!How are you doing?I am going to have appointment for Pumba and going to consult with Doctor.
Honestly the Meter I have now is not working and having a correct glucose level test is very important.I really appreciated for all your help!I hope you and Sheiba kitty going to have nice relaxing weekends!
 
Twenty years ago, I tested my diabetic cat, Unkie with a One Touch human meter, as no animal meters were yet available. When Newman was diagnosed in November, I started using the AlphaTrak meter as prescribed by the vet. I switched to the ReliOn Premier Classic in June. I decided to switch based on the cost of test strips. There is no difference in technique no matter which meter you decide to use, and it has been my experience that all three of those meters require the same amount of blood.

Newman's spreadsheet illustrates the switch over from one meter to the other. There was very little effect on the numbers and certainly changing did not cause a problem.

May I suggest that you take your meter with you to the vet appointment. You could ask them to perform a test with your meter to check for malfunction.

I wish you luck and hope you will be able to become accustomed to one of the meters. I also urge you to set up a spreadsheet. It is a wonderful visual aid for you and for those who are here to help you analyse and make dosing recommendations. I started out without the spreadsheet and setting it up and using it make a huge difference.
 
Linda and Newman said:
Twenty years ago, I tested my diabetic cat, Unkie with a One Touch human meter, as no animal meters were yet available. When Newman was diagnosed in November, I started using the AlphaTrak meter as prescribed by the vet. I switched to the ReliOn Premier Classic in June. I decided to switch based on the cost of test strips. There is no difference in technique no matter which meter you decide to use, and it has been my experience that all three of those meters require the same amount of blood.

Newman's spreadsheet illustrates the switch over from one meter to the other. There was very little effect on the numbers and certainly changing did not cause a problem.

May I suggest that you take your meter with you to the vet appointment. You could ask them to perform a test with your meter to check for malfunction.

I wish you luck and hope you will be able to become accustomed to one of the meters. I also urge you to set up a spreadsheet. It is a wonderful visual aid for you and for those who are here to help you analyse and make dosing recommendations. I started out without the spreadsheet and setting it up and using it make a huge difference.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you very much Linda and Newman for a good advice!I actually been planning to return this meter today and ordering Alphatrack because I don’t know my sweet boy’s glucose level and gave him every day blind doses of insulin.
I will let you know about veterinarian appointment.
Many Blessings,Natela
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
About the Relion Premier I don't know why you could keep getting g error messages on both if them, look in the booklet and see what they mean, there should be pictures in the booklet, Try it on yourself too I just wanted to let you know that Bron's kitty Sheba passed away in 2017.
Do you see the (GA) under her picture, when a kitty passes the GA means gone ahead
I just wanted to tell you in case you see it on someone else's pic :cat:
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OMG I had a no idea!I am feel so bad I been asking Bron how is Sheba going!I am glad you are mentioned to me.I am going to send him now apology message
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
Hi again. I would really recommend you stay with a human meter as our dosing methods are based on the human meter and not the alphatrak meter.
All vets used human meters until the pet meter was invented several years ago. the alphatrak meter strips are very expensive to buy also.
I have not heard of many complaints with the ReliOn meters.
Click to expand...
Hello Bron!I am so very sorry I had a no idea Sheba sweet Angel passed away!Please accept my apologies and please forgive me!I am very very sorry for your loss!I know how difficult loosing loving baby kitty.
Many Blessings,Natela
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
A lot of new members don't know what that means ,it's OK :cat:
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I really appreciated you told me meaning of GA.I sent message to Bron with apologies!
I had a really crazy day!My sweet Pumba’s glucose level is 563.I know is very high and I talked with other member who gave me lots of smart advices .I am going to get ready of all dry food and feed him only with wet food classic pate.
Have a good night Diane!
 
Natela Chubinidze said:
Hello Bron!I am so very sorry I had a no idea Sheba sweet Angel passed away!Please accept my apologies and please forgive me!I am very very sorry for your loss!I know how difficult loosing loving baby kitty.
Many Blessings,Natela
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Thank you Natela but please don’t feel bad about it. It’s a common mistake made by new members who don’t know the jargon. I probably made the same mistake myself. Sheba was a beautiful girl and I do miss her. Thank you for writing to me. Bron
 
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