my cat was just diagnosed with diabetes...
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Larry and Kitties
Member Since 2009
low-carb canned food. Here is a listing of such foods
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=117688
Why not use insulin if the diet does not work?
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=117688
Why not use insulin if the diet does not work?
BJM
Member Since 2010
Gucose tests at the vet may run from 100 to 180 mg/dL higher than at home. Testing at home is recommended to get truer readings of glucose levels.
Changing from high carb dry or wet food to low carb canned food may reduce the glucose about 100 mg/dL.
Both of those changes together can be enough to get the glucose down for some cats. Others will need a course of insulin in order to help the pancreas rest and heal; without the insulin, you condemn the cat to death from hyperglycemia, starvation because the glucose cannot be used, and possible diabetic ketoacidosis and/or hepatic lipidosis from fat breakdown for calories. Don't wait too long to use insulin!
Changing from high carb dry or wet food to low carb canned food may reduce the glucose about 100 mg/dL.
Both of those changes together can be enough to get the glucose down for some cats. Others will need a course of insulin in order to help the pancreas rest and heal; without the insulin, you condemn the cat to death from hyperglycemia, starvation because the glucose cannot be used, and possible diabetic ketoacidosis and/or hepatic lipidosis from fat breakdown for calories. Don't wait too long to use insulin!
Kgallagher
Member Since 2014
My kitty is also newly diagnose. How long should I give a diet change before considering insulin! The vet is recommending Lantus glargine. I am blown away by how much it costs. 
My 7 year old male cat was diagnosed with diabetes almost 2 years ago. I had been away for a month and noticed changes in his fur (dull and shedding). lower weight and energy level. I am sure I saw it happening before my trip but it was slow so I did not notice it as much as after not seeing him for a month.
The vet said his glucose level was 500+ when I took him in for tests. WOW!!!! Since I travel a lot I was afraid that insulin was not an option since I was not sure my house sitter would handle it. SO I told the vet, I will do everything I can through diet.
I immediately switched to a low/NO carb diet. A mix of Tikicat and Wellness Core. Within days, and I mean days, I noticed a change in Bernie!!!! Within a month his glucose level was almost normal (a bit high but within range) and Bernie's fur never looked so good. That was 2 years ago. I know that diet alone might not work for some cats but I felt like that was the safest chance I had with my work schedule.
Bernie is doing fine. He is back to a healthy weight, is his spunky curious self, and has a shiny coat. confused_cat
The vet said his glucose level was 500+ when I took him in for tests. WOW!!!! Since I travel a lot I was afraid that insulin was not an option since I was not sure my house sitter would handle it. SO I told the vet, I will do everything I can through diet.
I immediately switched to a low/NO carb diet. A mix of Tikicat and Wellness Core. Within days, and I mean days, I noticed a change in Bernie!!!! Within a month his glucose level was almost normal (a bit high but within range) and Bernie's fur never looked so good. That was 2 years ago. I know that diet alone might not work for some cats but I felt like that was the safest chance I had with my work schedule.
Bernie is doing fine. He is back to a healthy weight, is his spunky curious self, and has a shiny coat. confused_cat
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