New Diagnosis Comes with Big Questions

[PrincessFifi]

Hi All! My sweet Fiona, age 5, was just diagnosed with Diabetes. She was causing concern because she was drinking excessively and eating more than normal, as well as urinating frequently. Assuming it was a little urinary tract infection, we took her to the vet only to find out she had blood glucose of 500 and was diagnosed as diabetic. My confusion is in the fact that just 3 or 4 months ago she had her yearly checkup and all looked well. Her vet is quite thorough and we really love her. But how is it that her sugar could get that high in just a few months? Could it be an underlying cause? Any helpful info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! confused_cat

 

[Blue]

Hi All! My sweet Fiona, age 5, was just diagnosed with Diabetes. She was causing concern because she was drinking excessively and eating more than normal, as well as urinating frequently. Assuming it was a little urinary tract infection, we took her to the vet only to find out she had blood glucose of 500 and was diagnosed as diabetic. My confusion is in the fact that just 3 or 4 months ago she had her yearly checkup and all looked well. Her vet is quite thorough and we really love her. But how is it that her sugar could get that high in just a few months? Could it be an underlying cause? Any helpful info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! confused_cat

What are you feeding your cat; diet is very important, and a great deal of cats become diet controlled just by removing all dry food and treats and replacing with a good low carb wet food diet.
See catinfo.org site for info on a proper diet for cats, plus a list of low carb wet foods and their carb content.

How was your cat tested? If the vet is basing diabetes on only one number, the glucose in a blood panel, you can ask the vet to confirm by doing a fructosamine test which will give you the average over the last few weeks, and if that result is high, then you've got yourself a diabetic cat, most likely.

How is your cat's health, overall, and how are the teeth? There are health issues that could contribute to high glucose numbers... did the vet test urine and rule out any infections?

It's best to correct any diet issues before considering a start on any insulin because many cats just need the food change and not any insulin at all.

 

[PrincessFifi]

So sorry it took me so long to get back on here. Things have been a little crazy around here as of late. Thanks for answering my question! Prior to her diagnosis, Fiona ate dry food (Hills Science Diet hairball control) and got half a package of Fancy Feast Appetizers in the evening for dinner. Since being diagnosed she eats dry food during the day (Wellness grain free) and once in the morning and once in the evening she gets half a package of the Appetizers. That is the ONLY wet food she will eat. She is the pickiest cat!
I don't know if the vet did a fructosamine test. Since her diagnosis, we have brought her back to get blood sugar checked twice. Original sugar was 500. After one week of diet changes and insulin twice a day she went down to 260. After another week, she was down to 230. The vet did a panel of blood tests and said kidneys looked fine, thyroid looked fine. They said there was a chance she could become controlled strictly by diet alone and maybe soon she would not need insulin (which is my prayer!).
Also, I have noticed at times she becomes a little constipated. Is that a normal reaction to the insulin?
Thanks so much for your help!! :smile:

 

[BJM]

Constipation is more likely to be from the diet change. Adding a bit of extra water to the canned may help, as may 1/4 teaspoon of Miralax once or twice a day.

If you continue with dry food, split it in mini meals throughout the day with mini meals of the wet food too. This will keep the glucose on a more even level. The PetMate 5 autofeeder has been used pretty successfully.

Please go to Cat Info. To read tips on switching to canned foods.

 

[PrincessFifi]

Thanks for the tips! She really likes the liquid from the Appetizers more than the chicken, so we sometimes add a little extra water over it. May need to check into the feeder. Appreciate the help!