New Member 010923 how far to put in 1/2" needle

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Bear's Mama

Bear's Mama

Member Since 2023
Hello! I am back on here after 18 yrs, with a new diabetic cat that I adopted from a neighbor. I was leaving Jacksonville FL for Tallahassee back last March of 22 and this neighbor asked me to take her 2.5 yr old kitty Bear with me. He was precious and I loved him, he was an indoor and outdoor kitty, so I said sure.

Well we moved (3 hrs. away) and he has become an indoor cat along with my other 5 cats, that range from him being my youngest, to 2 14 yr. old siblings, (girls) born in my yard in Jax, also an 11 yr. old colony rescue, a neighborhood rescue who is going on 5 yrs. old and another neighbor adoption who is 4 yrs. old,

SO here I am with another diabetic cat after many yrs. just diagnosed a month ago. He hates being injected and he would be impossible to home test, like I did many yrs. ago. Every day it is a new challenge to inject this sweet boy, Bear. It entails sneaking up on him petting him (usually) and struggling to inject him. Currently on Pro Zinc at 5 U. He is stilling peeing like a race horse after much filtered water drinking, his eating seems to have levelled off since I increased his dose to 5 from 4.5 last wk. We started at 3U if I remember correctly a month ago.

Anyway, he jumps 1/4 of the time I inject him, I make sure it is not cold, but I must admit I push the needle all the way to the hub into the tent I make. I'm wondering if I am going to far. sometimes i stick him 3 times because he jumps!!! I'm using a Covidian 1/2" 29G needle. He is so furry, I cannot hardly see where I am going and sometimes miss the tent and only get fur and have to start over with a wet hand. :((

My first cat on here, Watson, was a love, feral, I turned domestic, and he would let me do anything, so I tested his glucose daily a few times, and insulin was not a problem injecting. Hope, on here, became a great friend and benefactor back in those days. :)).

So we are about to change to Vetsulin this wk. for financial reasons and because he is not responding to this ProZinc. I am going thru 37 lbs. of Cloud Control a wk. and Bear is eating WD 8.5 lb. bag in 3 wks. time. I can't afford any of this on my SS income.....with 5 other cats and a dog on arthritis meds which is VERY expensive.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thx Mary
 
Hi Mary I can tag a prozinc user for you but without home testing to see what Bears AMPS and any tests after that , and not testing Bears PMPS and any tests after that I don't think Melissa
@FrostD will be able to give you any advice without seeing a spreadsheet. Tagging @Suzanne & Darcy I think she is familiar with Prozinc also
what WD kibble are you feeding, most likely it's high carbs
. Who is testing him your vet?

I DON'T think switching to Vetsulin is such a good idea, I know it's cheaper but Vetsulin hits hard and fast and without home testing that could be very dangerous.
If anything I would ask for Generic Lantus
Many members use it here

If you do switch to Lantus it is expensive in the US, Many members use the generic
You can have the vet write the script for generic lantus ,many members use it
Here is some info
Check this out also
https://www.goodrx.com/insulin-glargine?dosage=five-3ml-prefilled-pens-of-100-units-ml&form=carton&label_override=insulin glargine&quantity=1
The 5 pens will last about a year, we use the pens just like a vial, you would just insert the syringe it the gray rubber stopper on the pen and draw out your insulin
Its generic lantus



Or this one also

I see some members will call CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, Walgreen's, to get the price for 5 pens
Posted by another member
One members posted this
. I paid $175 for a box of 5 pens at Walmart pharmacy, but GoodRX coupon says you can get it for around $90 if you have a Rite Aid pharmacy near you.

You will also need to buy U-100 syringes with half unit markings if you switch to generic lantus

You can also get the syringes with half unit markings at a Walmart. Their ReliOn Brand syringes of 0.3 cc (30 unit) capacity come with half unit markings. Cost $12.58 for a box of 100
This is what the packaging looks like: either box
They won't say it half unit on the box but the are . open then and look before you leave the store, can't be ordered on line , need to go into the store
:




upload_2021-9-5_23-18-9-jpeg.62508



49823063143_3437e9e997_o.jpg


Tagging
@FrostD

and
@Suzanne & Darcy

again
 
Last edited:
I can also tag @Chris & China (GA) to see if she can help with the cost of Lantus and Syringes Diabetic Cats In Need

Here is a link helping us to help you link. If you noticed, our members have some basic information about their cat's in their signature. This helps us to not pester you by asking the same questions (your cat's name, insulin type, date of diagnosis, etc.) repeatedly. We also have a link to our spreadsheet in our signature. We are very numbers driven. The spreadsheet is a record of your cat's progress. By linking it in your signature, we can follow along and provide feedback should you need the help.
 
Last edited:
Bears Mama private messaged me , posting it here
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/conversations/please-answer-the.118283/

please answer the ???
Mark as UnreadStar ConversationLeave Conversation

  1. Bear's Mama
    Joined:
    Thursday
    Do I have to put needle in up to the hub please?

    He had a curve done at Dr. office already. I'll take my chances with Vetsulin.
    Thanks

    Bear's Mama, Today at 3:30 PMReport
    Reply


  2. Diane Tyler's Mom
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Do you mean do you have to stick the needle all the way into the vial?
    Is this what you mean
    I googled it
    insulin-injecting-air-into-vial.jpg.webp



 
NIce pic but of course not.
I asked do I have to stick the needle all the way to the hub in my cat???
How do I stay logged in? this is a huge hassle to get in and out of. Very Frustrating. Wasn't this way 17 yrs. ago. :((
 
Yes you insert the syringe all the way to the hub in your cat

Does this help you
People also ask

How far do you insert an insulin needle?

The insulin needs to go into the fat layer under the skin.

1
Pinch the skin and put the needle in at a 45º angle.

2
If your skin tissues are thicker, you may be able to inject straight up and down (90º angle). ...

3
Push the needle all the way into the skin. ...

4
Leave the syringe in place for 5 seconds after injecting.
 
Last edited:
Hills RX WD food for diabetics. He is now eating 8.5lbs of that WD expensive food in 3.5 wks. Just went thru another 2nd bag. still peeing like a race horse spending $35 a wk. on Cloud control litter. huge pee balls bigger than a tea cup saucer. took into vet 1 mo. ago he had lost 5 lbs. Bear was a very big cat 18 lbs. well now he was 13 lbs. and his BG was 500.
i knew he was peeing alot but was avoiding what i knew would be his diagnosis, since i have a history with diabetic cat 17 yrs. ago.

Now he has gained back 1 lb at 14.2 lbs. ready to start cheaper insulin. Vet is familiar with Vetsulin, I asked about it from online research and he is ready to change since we are almost out of Prozinc which is too expensive for me.

Bear is 3 yrs. old recent adoption when I left Jax (last March) his owner, my neighbor, asked me to take him along with my 5 cats and dog. So all of a sudden i have htis huge expense as a SS 66 yrs old barely making it on SS and I cannot afford all this. My former neighbor has ghosted me when I emailed her asking for help wiht Bear's expenses and she is Very well off.

If you misssed it his BG was 500 when I took him in. Curve numbers were in the 300's. on 12/28. I cannot do his BG at home, He fights me to give injections.
 
Bear's Mama said:
don't know how to put in my signature i put info in my profile.....
Click to expand...
signature
click on your name up top above where it says sesrch 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.
 
Bear's Mama said:
Hello! I am back on here after 18 yrs, with a new diabetic cat that I adopted from a neighbor. I was leaving Jacksonville FL for Tallahassee back last March of 22 and this neighbor asked me to take her 2.5 yr old kitty Bear with me. He was precious and I loved him, he was an indoor and outdoor kitty, so I said sure.

Well we moved (3 hrs. away) and he has become an indoor cat along with my other 5 cats, that range from him being my youngest, to 2 14 yr. old siblings, (girls) born in my yard in Jax, also an 11 yr. old colony rescue, a neighborhood rescue who is going on 5 yrs. old and another neighbor adoption who is 4 yrs. old,

SO here I am with another diabetic cat after many yrs. just diagnosed a month ago. He hates being injected and he would be impossible to home test, like I did many yrs. ago. Every day it is a new challenge to inject this sweet boy, Bear. It entails sneaking up on him petting him (usually) and struggling to inject him. Currently on Pro Zinc at 5 U. He is stilling peeing like a race horse after much filtered water drinking, his eating seems to have levelled off since I increased his dose to 5 from 4.5 last wk. We started at 3U if I remember correctly a month ago.

Anyway, he jumps 1/4 of the time I inject him, I make sure it is not cold, but I must admit I push the needle all the way to the hub into the tent I make. I'm wondering if I am going to far. sometimes i stick him 3 times because he jumps!!! I'm using a Covidian 1/2" 29G needle. He is so furry, I cannot hardly see where I am going and sometimes miss the tent and only get fur and have to start over with a wet hand. :((

My first cat on here, Watson, was a love, feral, I turned domestic, and he would let me do anything, so I tested his glucose daily a few times, and insulin was not a problem injecting. Hope, on here, became a great friend and benefactor back in those days. :)).

So we are about to change to Vetsulin this wk. for financial reasons and because he is not responding to this ProZinc. I am going thru 37 lbs. of Cloud Control a wk. and Bear is eating WD 8.5 lb. bag in 3 wks. time. I can't afford any of this on my SS income.....with 5 other cats and a dog on arthritis meds which is VERY expensive.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thx Mary
Click to expand...
@FrostD

@Suzanne & Darcy

If you can please read my response to her post #2
Thanks ladies
 
Bear's Mama said:
Hills RX WD food for diabetics. He is now eating 8.5lbs of that WD expensive food in 3.5 wks. Just went thru another 2nd bag. still peeing like a race horse spending $35 a wk. on Cloud control litter. huge pee balls bigger than a tea cup saucer. took into vet 1 mo. ago he had lost 5 lbs. Bear was a very big cat 18 lbs. well now he was 13 lbs. and his BG was 500.
i knew he was peeing alot but was avoiding what i knew would be his diagnosis, since i have a history with diabetic cat 17 yrs. ago.

Now he has gained back 1 lb at 14.2 lbs. ready to start cheaper insulin. Vet is familiar with Vetsulin, I asked about it from online research and he is ready to change since we are almost out of Prozinc which is too expensive for me.

Bear is 3 yrs. old recent adoption when I left Jax (last March) his owner, my neighbor, asked me to take him along with my 5 cats and dog. So all of a sudden i have htis huge expense as a SS 66 yrs old barely making it on SS and I cannot afford all this. My former neighbor has ghosted me when I emailed her asking for help wiht Bear's expenses and she is Very well off.

If you misssed it his BG was 500 when I took him in. Curve numbers were in the 300's. on 12/28. I cannot do his BG at home, He fights me to give injections.
Click to expand...
@FrostD

@Suzanne & Darcy

She is going to take her chances with Vetsulin , not staying with prozinc because she can't afford it. Curves are done at her vets, she cannot home test as you can what she said above
I just don't know what else to tell her or help her
 
Thx for Hills WD analysis, but it doesn't sound so bad to me. I have nothing to compare it with so ..........would love to find something less $$$ if anyone has a suggestion. Everything is about money for me. Insulin, syringes, food, litter....plus 5 more cats and a dog on arthritis meds that cost $75 every 60 days..

this vet will not give RX's to get products elsewhere unless I drive 45 min. to see him and pay $10 for the RX. office does not want to deal with Chewy or other sources on the phone or fax. so Vet is matching Chewy's price for the Vetsulin for $63 for 10 ml for me because I told him I have no $$$...

I found syringes on your source site here for $21 shipped. Co. called ADW??? ULTICARE U-40, 29g 1/2" 1/2CC BOX OF 100/ I did not see Walmart sold syringes online for so cheap, i think you said I have to go into the store?? I am in the Boonies of Tallahassee so everything is a 30 min. drive for me and with gas going up again I watch my mileage. Also do you need an RX at Walmart? ADW did NOT require one. Chewy requires an RX even for syringes, (RIDICULOUS) !!
Thx for your help here. Mary :)

Is Hope still on here? From Michigan? She was my angel many yrs. ago....
 
Welcome back! Unfortunately we will be limited in what we can help with without the home testing.

Few thoughts:
A lot of people shave the scruff to make it easier to see. A 1/2 inch needle is pretty big, I wouldn't push it all the way in.

He's pretty young to be diabetic. Did he have any sort of infection, steroid use, or other issues?

5U is a very large dose. I suspect he is overdosed...but no way to tell without any data. I know money is tight, you might consider looking I to a Libre. I know not too long ago people were able to get one or two for free through the manufacturer. BUT I'm guessing you can't apply it on your own, and if your vet doesn't want to deal with chewy I doubt they'll be in favor of a Libre.

As for the insulin - it's not that he isn't responding to ProZinc. There are several issues at play - (1) he's recently diagnosed and it takes time (months) for BG to settle down, (2) his dose has been raised far too much and too quickly and (3) he's overdosed, going close to or in the hypoglycemic zone, and in defense his liver is panicking and dumping stored glycogen and counterregulatory hormones in order to spike BG back up (bouncing).

If there isn't a history of ketones or DKA I strongly suggest reducing the dose. Without any data I can't tell you what to reduce to; we have new cats on high carb food start at 1U twice daily. That's not enough for most cats, but you never know. Most cats end up in the 2U-3U range.

ProZinc really is the better of the two insulins, but I definitely understand cost. Would they mail you an Rx for generic Lantus? You can find that for similar cost as Vetsulin with some shopping around. Or, next time youre that the vet ask for one (assuming you have to go there to pick up Vetsulin anyway).

Both ProZinc and Vetsulin are U40 insulins. But if you switch to Lantus, that's U100 and requires different syringes. Diane gave good links; I found countryside pet supply to be cheapest...the syringes tend to get more tiny bubbles than the more expensive syringes, but like you I couldn't spend an arm and a leg on everything.

Now, food. No reason to feed that hills (or anything prescription)! Most of us feed Friskies or Fancy Feast pates, you'll find those to be much cheaper. You must be careful switching food, as it can drastically lower BG. Without home testing there is no way to truly keep him safe in that process; the best I can tell you is we start new cats on a low carb diet at 0.5U. A Libre would be a great tool to have while you do this if you can swing it.
 
Bear's Mama said:
I found syringes on your source site here for $21 shipped. Co. called ADW??? ULTICARE U-40, 29g 1/2" 1/2CC BOX OF 100/
Click to expand...
These are the ones you want not 1/2 cc

https://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/18553/ulticare-u40-pet-29g-3-10cc-1-2in-half-unit
DIA10
adw-coupon-dia10.jpg

10% off your next order!

Maybe you can call them and get the correct ones.



Also

An important note on when to feed your cat: Because Caninsulin/Vetsulin has an early onset, you want to have fed your cat 20 – 30 minutes before you give a shot. The order for this process is (1) test , (2) feed (3) wait 20 – 30 minutes (4) shoot.


You can read all about vetsulin here
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-caninsulin-vetsulin.231587/

In your signature you day you are feeding combo
So are you feeding wet food also?
 
Last edited:
FrostD said:
Welcome back! Unfortunately we will be limited in what we can help with without the home testing.

Few thoughts:
A lot of people shave the scruff to make it easier to see. A 1/2 inch needle is pretty big, I wouldn't push it all the way in.

He's pretty young to be diabetic. Did he have any sort of infection, steroid use, or other issues?

5U is a very large dose. I suspect he is overdosed...but no way to tell without any data. I know money is tight, you might consider looking I to a Libre. I know not too long ago people were able to get one or two for free through the manufacturer. BUT I'm guessing you can't apply it on your own, and if your vet doesn't want to deal with chewy I doubt they'll be in favor of a Libre.

As for the insulin - it's not that he isn't responding to ProZinc. There are several issues at play - (1) he's recently diagnosed and it takes time (months) for BG to settle down, (2) his dose has been raised far too much and too quickly and (3) he's overdosed, going close to or in the hypoglycemic zone, and in defense his liver is panicking and dumping stored glycogen and counterregulatory hormones in order to spike BG back up (bouncing).

If there isn't a history of ketones or DKA I strongly suggest reducing the dose. Without any data I can't tell you what to reduce to; we have new cats on high carb food start at 1U twice daily. That's not enough for most cats, but you never know. Most cats end up in the 2U-3U range.

ProZinc really is the better of the two insulins, but I definitely understand cost. Would they mail you an Rx for generic Lantus? You can find that for similar cost as Vetsulin with some shopping around. Or, next time youre that the vet ask for one (assuming you have to go there to pick up Vetsulin anyway).

Both ProZinc and Vetsulin are U40 insulins. But if you switch to Lantus, that's U100 and requires different syringes. Diane gave good links; I found countryside pet supply to be cheapest...the syringes tend to get more tiny bubbles than the more expensive syringes, but like you I couldn't spend an arm and a leg on everything.

Now, food. No reason to feed that hills (or anything prescription)! Most of us feed Friskies or Fancy Feast pates, you'll find those to be much cheaper. You must be careful switching food, as it can drastically lower BG. Without home testing there is no way to truly keep him safe in that process; the best I can tell you is we start new cats on a low carb diet at 0.5U. A Libre would be a great tool to have while you do this if you can swing it.
Click to expand...
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
Yes you insert the syringe all the way to the hub in your cat
Click to expand...
I disagree if you are using ½" length needles. With that length it is hard to get the needle fully inserted w/o either going through the other side of the skin or hitting bone unless you have a fat cat. That us why I avoid ½" inch needles. It seems the ½"length needles are the standard that vets sell for U40 insulins. I like the 5/16" (8mm) length ones or for some cats the shorter 6mm ones. With those it is relatively easy to insert the needle to the hub.
 
Thx for all your info. Bear has had a UTI in March last yr. after we moved here and he was new to my family as an adoptee. was treated at Vet lots of blood in urine.

Then 5 mo later was constipated in August had xrays got Prednisome, Cerenia, subQ fluids, Convenia, cost me $450 still owe on credit card.

Then Oct. stopped eating got Metoclopramide (Reglan) 5mg. 2-2.5 ml bid recovered.

Now Dec 6 diagnosed diabetic checked Thyroid it was OK, BG was 500 got Metronidazole liquid and started ProZinc at 3U and have gradually increase by .5U. I didn't write it down, I started recording dose and food on 12/25, I see I charted .4U on christmas for 5 days then up to .45U for 6 days. Then up to 5U now for 9 days. He is acting better, eating WD less often (of course I added the grilled wet food that he gets bid). so now he is eating about 1 1/2 C of WD a day instead of up to 2 Cups. Maybe peeing less a bit. But almost done with this 5 ML vial of Prozinc and ready to go for cheaper Vetsulin in the next couple of days.


What you are not hearing as far as monitoring at home, is this cat is a MONSTER to give any meds to. twice a day injections are a game every time and sometimes a fight, he is huge and squirms out of every hold I put him into. I have had 6-7 cats at a time for 35 yrs. and never had to go thru what this cat is doing as a fighter, even getting him in a carrier is next to IMPOSSIBLE!!

(My former diabetic cat let me do anything I wanted to him and I did BG's several times a day on him with no issues.)

Bear has been eating 1.5 -2 Cups a day of WD I cannot afford this. He is peeing like a racehorse during this whole time and I cannot afford the $35 a week in litter I am spending.
This is why I have begging the Vet to get off this expensive Prozinc and into a cheaper Insulin. To get some regulation and results from his eating so much and peeing so much. And to dose lower with Vetdulin. I researched Vetsulin and he said that was his 2nd choice after Prozinc.

For food he will not eat Pate, will not eat Fish, only was eating gravy lovers FF and he would eat the gravy and leave the meat. Now I have grilled FF and (WD that he loves) and he loves it the grilled, and it does not have so much gravy, and he doesn't just eat the gravy and leave the meat he is eating it ALL which is a great relief.

I would like a suggestion for a better dry food that is not RX if you have any idea. So everyone will be on the same dry food. he sometimes cheats with the Purina Complete that everyone else eats, and they all graze, I cannot take away Bears dry food or he will eat the Purina so his WD is always available and their Purina is always available also. They steal a bit of his WD also when I am sleeping.

That's about it. Thanks much! Mary
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
Hi Mary I can tag a prozinc user for you but without home testing to see what Bears AMPS and any tests after that , and not testing Bears PMPS and any tests after that I don't think Melissa
@FrostD will be able to give you any advice without seeing a spreadsheet. Tagging @Suzanne & Darcy I think she is familiar with Prozinc also
what WD kibble are you feeding, most likely it's high carbs
. Who is testing him your vet?

I DON'T think switching to Vetsulin is such a good idea, I know it's cheaper but Vetsulin hits hard and fast and without home testing that could be very dangerous.
If anything I would ask for Generic Lantus
Many members use it here

If you do switch to Lantus it is expensive in the US, Many members use the generic
You can have the vet write the script for generic lantus ,many members use it
Here is some info
Check this out also
https://www.goodrx.com/insulin-glargine?dosage=five-3ml-prefilled-pens-of-100-units-ml&form=carton&label_override=insulin glargine&quantity=1
The 5 pens will last about a year, we use the pens just like a vial, you would just insert the syringe it the gray rubber stopper on the pen and draw out your insulin
Its generic lantus



Or this one also

I see some members will call CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, Walgreen's, to get the price for 5 pens
Posted by another member
One members posted this
. I paid $175 for a box of 5 pens at Walmart pharmacy, but GoodRX coupon says you can get it for around $90 if you have a Rite Aid pharmacy near you.

You will also need to buy U-100 syringes with half unit markings if you switch to generic lantus

You can also get the syringes with half unit markings at a Walmart. Their ReliOn Brand syringes of 0.3 cc (30 unit) capacity come with half unit markings. Cost $12.58 for a box of 100
This is what the packaging looks like: either box
They won't say it half unit on the box but the are . open then and look before you leave the store, can't be ordered on line , need to go into the store
:




upload_2021-9-5_23-18-9-jpeg.62508



49823063143_3437e9e997_o.jpg


Tagging
@FrostD

and
@Suzanne & Darcy

again
Click to expand...
 
Tyler's mom,
I have been looking at the Glargine info you sent me. How does 5 pens or a 10ML vial last you a yr.??? How many units is that bid?? I jsut am going thru a 10 ml vial in 5 wks. with Prozinc up to 5U a dose. Thx ;)
 
Here is an example I found when I googled it
How many doses in a Lantus pen (Lantus SoloStar) and how long will it last me?
The Lantus SoloStar is 100Units/mL and is a 3ml unit, so each Lantus Solostar contains 300 units.

To work out how long one Lantus SoloStar pen will last you, you need to divide 300 units by your daily dose. For example:

  • If you are using 12 units a day
  • 300÷12= 25 days
  • The Lantus SoloStar will last you 25 days.
It all depends on how many units you are giving each day
 
FrostD i just looked up Libre and read about having to stick it on the cat with adhesive and sedating etc. etc. How do you test your cat with this device please? Thx Mary
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
Here is an example I found when I googled it
How many doses in a Lantus pen (Lantus SoloStar) and how long will it last me?
The Lantus SoloStar is 100Units/mL and is a 3ml unit, so each Lantus Solostar contains 300 units.

To work out how long one Lantus SoloStar pen will last you, you need to divide 300 units by your daily dose. For example:

  • If you are using 12 units a day
  • 300÷12= 25 days
  • The Lantus SoloStar will last you 25 days.
It all depends on how many units you are giving each day
Click to expand...
I thought you said that 5 pens will last me a year?
 
FrostD said:
Welcome back! Unfortunately we will be limited in what we can help with without the home testing.

Few thoughts:
A lot of people shave the scruff to make it easier to see. A 1/2 inch needle is pretty big, I wouldn't push it all the way in.

He's pretty young to be diabetic. Did he have any sort of infection, steroid use, or other issues?

5U is a very large dose. I suspect he is overdosed...but no way to tell without any data. I know money is tight, you might consider looking I to a Libre. I know not too long ago people were able to get one or two for free through the manufacturer. BUT I'm guessing you can't apply it on your own, and if your vet doesn't want to deal with chewy I doubt they'll be in favor of a Libre.

As for the insulin - it's not that he isn't responding to ProZinc. There are several issues at play - (1) he's recently diagnosed and it takes time (months) for BG to settle down, (2) his dose has been raised far too much and too quickly and (3) he's overdosed, going close to or in the hypoglycemic zone, and in defense his liver is panicking and dumping stored glycogen and counterregulatory hormones in order to spike BG back up (bouncing).

If there isn't a history of ketones or DKA I strongly suggest reducing the dose. Without any data I can't tell you what to reduce to; we have new cats on high carb food start at 1U twice daily. That's not enough for most cats, but you never know. Most cats end up in the 2U-3U range.

ProZinc really is the better of the two insulins, but I definitely understand cost. Would they mail you an Rx for generic Lantus? You can find that for similar cost as Vetsulin with some shopping around. Or, next time youre that the vet ask for one (assuming you have to go there to pick up Vetsulin anyway).

Both ProZinc and Vetsulin are U40 insulins. But if you switch to Lantus, that's U100 and requires different syringes. Diane gave good links; I found countryside pet supply to be cheapest...the syringes tend to get more tiny bubbles than the more expensive syringes, but like you I couldn't spend an arm and a leg on everything.

Now, food. No reason to feed that hills (or anything prescription)! Most of us feed Friskies or Fancy Feast pates, you'll find those to be much cheaper. You must be careful switching food, as it can drastically lower BG. Without home testing there is no way to truly keep him safe in that process; the best I can tell you is we start new cats on a low carb diet at 0.5U. A Libre would be a great tool to have while you do this if you can swing it.
Click to expand...
 

FrostD i just looked up Libre and read about having to stick it on the cat with adhesive and sedating etc. etc.
How do you test your cat with this device please? Thx Mary
 
Bear's Mama said:
I thought you said that 5 pens will last me a year?
Click to expand...
That will depending on how many units you give your cat
One pen lasted me about 6 months
When you order pens they have expiration dates on them , right now the expiration dates on them are 2025. Keep them in the fridge and the expiration date is good till then

That was only an example I showed you that a member posted
 
Here is a excellent post the pros and con's with the libre
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...stration-explanations-tips-discussion.221630/
A lot of members have to put a baby onesie on their cat so they don't take it off
It depends on where the vet places it

Members here have placed it on their cats themselves , they didn't need to be sedated

It depends on the cat I read

For some pets, mild sedation may be helpful. Your veterinarian will discuss it with you if your pet will tolerate the procedure better with a sedative.
 
Bear's Mama said:
FrostD i just looked up Libre and read about having to stick it on the cat with adhesive and sedating etc. etc. How do you test your cat with this device please? Thx Mary
Click to expand...
Join this FB group for info on attaching a Libre. The have videos and other good information. It is a closed group so you have to Join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/libreforpets
No sedation is required unless you have the rare cat where sedation is required when shaving the spot. Only adhesive is SkinTac, a wipe on prep that helps the adhesion of the sensor. Vet tissue glue is not recommended at all.
 
Again, I suspect the 5U is too high of a dose. It could be just because of the food, but we need to verify how low he's going. I do absolutely understand the testing difficulties, I just don't want him to have a potentially fatal or debilitating hypo. That's why I mentioned the Libre as a possibility.

As for food, would it be feasible for his main food to be the FF he likes, just with something else to graze on? The FF is at least less carbs than the WD. The other low carb dry foods we usually recommend are Wysong Epigen 90, Dr Elsey's Clean Protein, and Young Again Zero - but those are all similar price point. Again, remember any change in carbs should be undertaken with caution.

You're going to have to weigh all the things you're trying to balance. Outside looking in, from what I understand of your situation, I would make a cheaper wet food his main food. That's at least less carbs. Then just let him graze on the same Purina as everyone else. Just know that it will make his diabetes a little harder to control. It may mean higher insulin doses, so you have a higher cost there.

Definitely look into the glargine (Lantus, semglee, etc). It's a much better/safer insulin than Vetsulin, and you can get it for close to similar price with some savvy shopping (GoodRx coupons, calling around).
 
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