New Member - Introduction

[Nancy B & Lucy]

I'm the momma of an approximately 18 year old girl, Lucy, who was diagnosed with diabetes at the end of last year. I'm a Type 1 diabetic myself for almost 12 years (as is my mom, for 55 over years) so the whole diabetic thing is somewhat familiar to me... learning FELLINE diabetes is a challenge for me and my husband (as is trying to change our spoiled and picky girl's diet after so many years). I'm looking forward to getting a lot of useful information, tips and support from this board and helping our girl be as healthy as we can.

 

[Sandi and Toby]

Welcome Nancy,

I think that you will find that your human diabetes experience will serve you very well. Now, trying to change the diet of a picky old lady...that might be more of a challenge!

I recommend that you start here by setting up your signature: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/ and then head over to the Insulin-specific forum to the insulin that you are using for Lucy and read the sticky notes at the top. And then...ask as many questions as you need to!

You'll do great, and Lucy should get to feeling better very soon!

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I hope Sandi doesn't mind but I'm going to tweek some of the information she provided. The link she provided is essentially built in to a post that discusses how you can help us to help you. The newer post was developed specifically for new members. Once you have your spreadsheet (which is how you can keep track of Lucy's progress and how we can follow along) set up and are comfortable with home testing, then you may want to migrate over to the support group that is specific to the insulin you're using.

We do have information on most of the insulins that are used to treat feline diabetes. If you click on this link, you'll see the insulin support groups listed toward the bottom of the page. At the top of each of the support group pages are sticky notes that will review information about the insulin and how to navigate dosing.

With respect to food, you have lots of choices. We recommend that you keep the carbohydrates under 10%. In fact, most people here use canned foods that are in the neighborhood of 5%. A vet, Lisa Pierson, DVM put together a wonderful site on feline nutrition. Also on the site is a chart that contains the nutritional information, including carbs, for most canned food available in the US.

Please let us know if you have questions. The members here are very generous with their time and information. We're here to help.

 

[Sandi and Toby]

Don't mind at all! I only had a few minutes to pop in, and saw that Nancy hadn't had any responses yet so I wanted to get her going with something. Thanks @Sienne and Gabby (GA)!