If your vet prescribed Lantus, have him prescribe the Solostar Pen. You can sign up for an offer that will bring the price down to $25 per prescription (but the pens come in boxes of 5 so it can still be a high price)....I've seen that Target stores seem to be the most willing to "split up" a box and sell a single pen, but you'll just have to call around and see if you can find someone who will. Here's the link for the
Lantus Savings Card
If you keep the insulin in the refrigerator, on a shelf (NOT the door) it'll last you up to 6 months. Pharmacists will tell you it's only good for 28 days, but if taken care of properly, it'll last much longer.
You'll also need to learn how to home test. Now I know this sounds scary, but it really isn't...and it's the only real way you can keep your kitty safe, as well as let you learn how kitty responds to insulin as well as food. We can help you learn this too! (it also saves a LOT of money in vet bills since the only other way is to have a vet do expensive "curves" and they're really not accurate since the kitty is under stress at the vet and that can raise the numbers 200 points)
Getting started shopping list
1. Meter ie Walmart Relion Confirm or Micro. (or Prime..cheapest strips but takes a little bigger blood sample than the Confirm or Micro)
2. Matching strips
3. Lancets - little sticks to poke the ear to get blood . new members usually start with a larger gauge lancet such as 28g or 29g until the ear learns to bleed. Optional - lancing tool.
4. Cotton balls to stem the blood
5. Neosporin or Polysporin ointment with pain relief to heal the wound
6. Mini flashlight (optional) - useful to help see the ear veins in dark cats, and to press against
7. Ketone urine test strips ie ketodiastix - Important to check ketones when blood is high
8. Sharps container - to dispose of waste syringes and lancets.
9. Treats for the cat - like freeze dried chicken
10. Karo syrup/corn syrup or honey if you dont have it at home - for hypo emergencies to bring blood sugar up fast
11. A couple of cans of fancy feast gravy lovers or other high carb gravy food- for hypo emergencies to bring blood sugar up fast
You'll also want to pick up some u100 syringes..3/10cc, 30 or 31 gauge, 5/16..with half unit markings
Here's a little something for you too....as well as the advice to take a deep breath and relax. Diabetes is totally manageable at home. We're here to help you and you couldn't find a better group to teach you the steps to this sugardance!!
A message from your cat
Edited to Add....could you tell us your name and your extra sweet cats name?
