Neuropathy from stopping insulin?

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Zoeycat84

Zoeycat84

Member Since 2017
I've been checking my cats bg for the past couple of days and his numbers have been normal without any insulin. So he's been off insulin completely (was on 2u bid) for 1.5 days. I'm feeling very hopeful and keeping my fingers crossed these good numbers stick. HOWEVER, now I've noticed his neuropathy again! From my understanding it is caused by elevated sugar levels. When he was first diagnosed approximately a month ago he developed some neuropathy in his hind legs but has improved a lot with the help of b-12 but its become noticeable again. Is it possible for them to get neuropathy from all of a sudden going off insulin? I only started testing so i think its safe to say his bg has been lower than it should be for some time now. So in this case he would all of a sudden be going from low bg to normal bg.
 
I have never heard of neuropathy manifesting that quickly. The issue is caused by a degradation of the neural sheath of the nerves in the hind legs, as a result of not being regulated over a period of time.
 
Hmm...I don't think his neuropathy has fully recovered and maybe today was just a bad day or I happened to notice it more...Not too sure. I've been on hyper alert since changing and tracking the insulin and sugar. Thought I'd ask in case anyone else experienced anything similar.
 
Diabetic neuropathy would not occur in a cat running in normal numbers but there are other things that could cause weakness in the hind legs such as a potassium imbalance. If your cat had diabetic neuropathy prior to starting and while on insulin, then it may take a while for the problem to resolve. What readings are you now getting?
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Diabetic neuropathy would not occur in a cat running in normal numbers but there are other things that could cause weakness in the hind legs such as a potassium imbalance. If your cat had diabetic neuropathy prior to starting and while on insulin, then it may take a while for the problem to resolve. What readings are you now getting?
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Ranging between 4-6 for the most part. Seems to be closer to 5 throughout the day. That is mmol/L
 
Well those are certainly beautiful numbers:joyful: so I'd keep an eye on her and if it doesn't get better or worsens, get her to the vet to get her electrolytes checked. As you say though, it could be she was just having a bad day. Your observations are key to whether you think further investigation is require. I'd keep giving the B12 until you see a significant improvement or total recovery.
 
Its definitely worse. This morning hes having trouble, stopping every few steps to sit down. He was doing so good, pretty much recovered. Im really confused as to why its happening. Might have to call the vet. The only thing that adds up is that hes gone from low bg to normal so that increase has worsened his healing neuropathy. I mean his numbers on the meter read normal so its not like its from hyperglycemia. Agh! Ive wondered in the past if he actually has insulin neuritis vs. Neuropathy because he didnt develop the neuropathy until starting the insulin.
 
Neuropathy is associated with poorly regulated diabetes and develops over time so not only extremely high BG numbers but also long term undiagnosed diabetes even with moderately elevated numbers could cause neuropathy. This is not something caused by going from low BG to normal. He won't experience hypoglycemia with no insulin on board. I'd suggest a vet visit to rule out an electrolyte imbalance or some other cause.
 
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