Newly diagnosed cat, lots of ups and down

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Thelonius

Thelonius

Member Since 2019
Hi Everyone,

My cat Thelonius ( 8 yo, neutered male) was diagnosed with diabetes on the 4th of November, following a loss of energy, weight loss and ravenous hunger. My vet put him on 2 units of Lantus twice a day, and I took him off all dry food to a diet of just canned food (Friskie's pate). He initially responded very well, but after about a week he was back to being ravenous (though he was drinking less).

He went in to the vet office for a glucose curve yesterday. During the curve, they said his blood glucose curve dropped low probably 6-8 hours after I had administered the insulin. The vet recommended that I take him off insulin and see how he does for a few days so I did not give him any last night or this morning. I bought a ReliOn glucose meter and managed to get a reading myself this morning, and it seemed pretty high (431). Might it be smarter to continue a smaller dosage?

Thanks in advance!
 
Hi. 2 units is a high starting dose. A starting dose of 1 unit would probably have been more appropriate. With you making a change from dry food to low-carb wet food, that can cause their glucose to drop quite a bit. So doing that and giving such a high dose without ongoing monitoring is a risky combination! I'm glad you did not end up with a severe crisis.

I love (<< sarcasm) how the vet goes from too high of a starting dose to let's try nothing. It was very smart of you to get a meter and start testing. Testing is so important in this process - I don't care what your vet may tell you. I see you have a spreadsheet already but did not see your first test result on it... don't forget to add it. :) If your cat's glucose is running in the 400s, he needs insulin. I would start with 1 unit every 12 hours, if you are willing and able to test before every shot. Also, it is important to do mid-cycle testing to see the impact of the insulin. You should not have to take your cat to the vet for curves, you will be able to do them yourself and save yourself money and your cat stress.

I would like to suggest that you head over to the Lantus forum. That is the best place for you to get advice specific to the use of Lantus. They can help you get your baby on the right track!
 
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