(New member) We are new to this….

[Rory’s friend Amy]

Hi all,
Just wanted to put a post out to introduce myself and say I’m glad I learned about this page and what seems like a great resource!
My guy Rory is 14 and Dxed with diabetes and high blood pressure, within the last 2 weeks. Rory is an excellent, sweet cat who has been with me since he was about 3 months old, so it’s fair to say we’re bonded.
I’m not new to watching my pets age and treating them as ailments have arisen, but as stated in the tagline, I am new to diabetes. I’m open to treatment options and will do what it takes, but I’m wondering- how quickly do you see improvement once treatments start?
I ask because it seems like Rory’s really perked up since we’ve been to the vet. He’s eating better, and is just more engaged. After the first week checkup his BP has decreased a bit and he’s put on a little weight. He’s getting what I’d think is a “loading dose” of insulin right now(very very little, 2x daily) and will have his glucose checked this week.
I know every case/animal is different, but I’m hopeful. Is this in the realm of realistic?
Thanks for any input!

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi Amy and Rory and welcome to the forum.
I’m sure he is feeling better if he has started insulin and having the BP treated.
Can you tell us what is the name and dose of the insulin you are giving please? Sounds as if it could be Lantus as you are talking about a loading dose.
Are you feeding a low carb wet diet?
We recommend you feed a low carb wet diet with carbs 10% or under. Give a good meal before the insulin and then give 2 or 3 snacks of food during all the cycles. A snack is a teaspoon or two of the low carb food. Here is a link to suitable foods FOOD CHART.
Have a look at a few higher carb foods to put in your hypo box. You need to get that set up asap as you don’t want to be racing around looking for something if the BGs drop too low.
While I am sure he is feeling better, it can take time for the blood glucose to be regulated so don’t expect it to only take a few weeks. Insulin is a hormone and is not like an antibiotic that fixes things in a couple of weeks. Some cats settle down quickly but most do take time, so don’t get discouraged.

We would recommend you look at hometesting the blood glucose so you are in control at all times and know exactly what is going on. Just checking every few weeks is not enough. You don’t need your vets permission to do this. Some vets discourage hometesting and I really don’t know wh because it is the only way you can keep Rory safe.
Here is a link to HOMETESTING

Here is a link for new members which contains information on the spreadsheet, the signature and the hypo box
HELP US HELP YOU
Keep asking questions. We are here to help you.
Bron

 

[CORKY]

Hi Amy and Rory and welcome to the forum.
I’m sure he is feeling better if he has started insulin and having the BP treated.
Can you tell us what is the name and dose of the insulin you are giving please? Sounds as if it could be Lantus as you are talking about a loading dose.
Are you feeding a low carb wet diet?
We recommend you feed a low carb wet diet with carbs 10% or under. Give a good meal before the insulin and then give 2 or 3 snacks of food during all the cycles. A snack is a teaspoon or two of the low carb food. Here is a link to suitable foods FOOD CHART.
Have a look at a few higher carb foods to put in your hypo box. You need to get that set up asap as you don’t want to be racing around looking for something if the BGs drop too low.
While I am sure he is feeling better, it can take time for the blood glucose to be regulated so don’t expect it to only take a few weeks. Insulin is a hormone and is not like an antibiotic that fixes things in a couple of weeks. Some cats settle down quickly but most do take time, so don’t get discouraged.

We would recommend you look at hometesting the blood glucose so you are in control at all times and know exactly what is going on. Just checking every few weeks is not enough. You don’t need your vets permission to do this. Some vets discourage hometesting and I really don’t know wh because it is the only way you can keep Rory safe.
Here is a link to HOMETESTING

Here is a link for new members which contains information on the spreadsheet, the signature and the hypo box
HELP US HELP YOU
Keep asking questions. We are here to help you.
Bron

Welcome Amy and Rory, you are definitely in the right place

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Welcome Amy and Rory, you couldn't have found a better group to join.
Just keep asking us questions