New member - control and weight loss

[p3bbl3z]

Hi there, I’ve been a bit of a lurker for a few weeks but thought I should share my story.

my ragdoll merlin was finally diagnosed as diabetic in April.
Prior to this I was not sure of PUPD but I definitely knew he was losing weight. unfortunately his tests have never “fit the rules”
Because of his weight loss he’s had a full MOT of tests twice in March and April. Full bloods (mild hyperglycaemia - around 20mmol/L) and initially some pancreatitis and UTI signs (since cleared up) but all other tests normal. Including fructosamine.

Following persistent glycosuria with home testing he was started on caninsulin (currently having issues sourcing prozinc in the UK)
Stayed at 1iu for 3 weeks with no improvement in clinical signs, blood glucose curve with alphatrak revealed a nadir of 16mmol/L at around 6 hours and then persistent hyperglycaemia (around 20-25mmol/L) the rest of the day. His insulin dose was increased to 2iu and I’m just awaiting a libre sensor before starting his next glucose curve because blood testing does can be difficult.

He’s always been a grazer so I’ve been reluctant to change this but recently put him on proplan DM dry with small twice daily meals of the wet prior to insulin.
I’m hoping once the libre sensor arrives I will be able to get him more under control as he has lost a significant amount of weight (once a 7.5kg cat.. now 4kg)

does anyone have any advice in regards to weight gain or stabilisation?

thank you in advance

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Welcome to you and Merlin.
It is very common for diabetic cats who are unregulated to lose weight. This is because they are unable to utilise the nutrients in the food. This will improve when the BGs get more under controL..(BG=blood glucose)
Are you feeding a good sized meal and waiting 1/2 hour before giving the caninsulin? It is important to do this because caninsulin acts quickly and Merlin needs food aboard.
Here is a link to beginners guide to caninsulin
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-caninsulin-vetsulin.231587/

It is fine to also feed him throughout the day and night. You do not need to just feed twice a day if that is what the vet suggested. It is much better for the cats to have multiple snacks.

We also go up and down in 1/4 unit increments with the insulin. It is much safer for the cat and you won’t go past the best dose that way.

With the food, feline diabetics do best on wet food that is 10%or under carbs.
Here is a link to UK information which should have food links within it. If you can get rid of the dry food you will be much better off and it’s much better for Merlin. However because dry food is high carb you need to be testing frequently when you take the dry away as the BGs can drop considerably. You also do not need to use the prescription diet that the vet recommends. They are no better than most cat food you can buy at the store. They are just more expensive. The main thing to look for is the carb content.
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...-vit-b12-and-other-need-to-know-stuff.137376/

I would encourage you to set up a spreadsheet and add all your BG data to it.. I see you have already done a signature..that’s great!
The SS link is within this link plus other useful information.
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-how-you-can-help-us-help-you.216696/

Once you have the SS up and data added, we will be able to help you with dosing which in turn should help the BG numbers and hopefully get some weight back onto Merlin. My She almost a lot of weight when she was first diagnosed but she put it all back on and regained all the muscle she had lost.

Keep asking lots of questions. It can be overwhelming at first.
Bron