MyBeau💚
Member Since 2026
Hello, everyone. My beautiful 13-year-old boy, Beau, was just diagnosed with diabetes.
A little background: For several years Beau's been going to a local location of Bond Vet, a big corporate vet network, but he had a regular doctor there we really liked. However, she left suddenly in the spring, and we’ve seen a few different doctors since then.
Beau’s blood was tested last week, and we got the devastating news yesterday from a doctor I’ve never spoken to before. The bloodwork showed a significantly elevated blood sugar level of 362, and Beau’s urine also contained a high amount of sugar (3+). (His albumin and cholesterol were also elevated, not sure if that’s relevant.)
For about a year now, Beau has been on prednisolone to manage his gastrointestinal issues (vomiting) and mild pancreatitis. It's possible the prednisolone contributed to the development of diabetes. I’m not sure, I don’t know if there’s any way to determine that. He’s also on a hydrolyzed diet (wet + dry) for the gastro issues.
This new doctor is recommending Beau start on cyclosporine at 5 mg/kg once daily. The cyclosporine will take 2–3 weeks to begin working, so after the first week, I’d start to slowly taper down the prednisolone (over another 2–3 weeks.) This doctor would also like Beau to start insulin therapy right away—either injections or oral meds—and also have a glucose curve test where he’d be at Bond for blood testing for a full day.
I asked if perhaps we should wean him off prednisolone first to see if the diabetes goes into remission—especially if it was the prednisolone that cause the diabetes in the first place—but the doctor does not recommend this because he’s concerned Beau may develop diabetic ketoacidosis. I am concerned too, but I'm feeling overwhelmed by all the information. I’m wondering if I should act immediately with the Bond Vet’s plan or get a second opinion. I have reached out to another doctor (and have a third option to contact) but haven’t heard back yet.
I’m sorry if I made this post too early, but any advice, guidance, or insight while I wait is deeply appreciated. I’m scared and don’t know what to do. Beau is the love of my life. Thank you for this forum. It is good to be among people who understand how special cats are.
A little background: For several years Beau's been going to a local location of Bond Vet, a big corporate vet network, but he had a regular doctor there we really liked. However, she left suddenly in the spring, and we’ve seen a few different doctors since then.
Beau’s blood was tested last week, and we got the devastating news yesterday from a doctor I’ve never spoken to before. The bloodwork showed a significantly elevated blood sugar level of 362, and Beau’s urine also contained a high amount of sugar (3+). (His albumin and cholesterol were also elevated, not sure if that’s relevant.)
For about a year now, Beau has been on prednisolone to manage his gastrointestinal issues (vomiting) and mild pancreatitis. It's possible the prednisolone contributed to the development of diabetes. I’m not sure, I don’t know if there’s any way to determine that. He’s also on a hydrolyzed diet (wet + dry) for the gastro issues.
This new doctor is recommending Beau start on cyclosporine at 5 mg/kg once daily. The cyclosporine will take 2–3 weeks to begin working, so after the first week, I’d start to slowly taper down the prednisolone (over another 2–3 weeks.) This doctor would also like Beau to start insulin therapy right away—either injections or oral meds—and also have a glucose curve test where he’d be at Bond for blood testing for a full day.
I asked if perhaps we should wean him off prednisolone first to see if the diabetes goes into remission—especially if it was the prednisolone that cause the diabetes in the first place—but the doctor does not recommend this because he’s concerned Beau may develop diabetic ketoacidosis. I am concerned too, but I'm feeling overwhelmed by all the information. I’m wondering if I should act immediately with the Bond Vet’s plan or get a second opinion. I have reached out to another doctor (and have a third option to contact) but haven’t heard back yet.
I’m sorry if I made this post too early, but any advice, guidance, or insight while I wait is deeply appreciated. I’m scared and don’t know what to do. Beau is the love of my life. Thank you for this forum. It is good to be among people who understand how special cats are.