Newly diagnosed Cat with Diabetes

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Leanne

Member Since 2014
Hello,
My neutered 10-year-old male was diagnosed with diabetes yesterday. I noticed he was drinking more, and my suspicions were confirmed. I had a diabetic cat 14 years ago, and it was a disaster. We never got her regulated. I am trying to be more hopeful for my Charlie. It seems there are better insulin options (I got Lantus), and am planning on switching him (carefully) to a super low carbohydrate food (per Dr. Lisa Pierson's website). Any encouragement, suggestions (particularly about diet, I've been a fan of Wysong, which Charlie isn't currently on), successes are much appreciated. Thanks!
 
Before you start switching food, because you are already using insulin, you MUST be home testing the blood glucose for safety!

Changing from a high carb to low carb diet may reduce the glucose levels as much as 100 mg/dL (US numbers) and 2 units of insulin..

There is a specific formula for the starting dose of Lantus
What is the cat's current weight?
What is the cat's ideal weight?
Take the lower of these 2 weights
Convert to kilograms as needed (pounds / 2.2)
Multiply by 0.25.
Round down to the nearest quarter unit.
 
Somehow my previous response did not get posted. He is a 15 pound cat started on 2 units, twice per day. I have been using Wysong with satisfaction for years, but now thinking Charlie my diabetic needs to be on a wet diet. But which one? I have done glucose curves and feel confident about closely monitoring his switch, but feeling really unsure of which food/manufacturer to focus on.
Thanks, Leanne
 
This food chart by vet Dr. Lisa Pierson, is what we point people to. It has most of the wet foods available in the US. Look for those foods that are <10% carb content, which is closer to the natural diet of a cat and work very well for our diabetic kitties.

Some inexpensive and widely available choices are the Fancy Feast pate style, Friskies pate style, Wellness grain free. There are many more options to choose from.

You want to switch slowly to a new diet, and we strongly recommend that you are home testing first as a switch to a lower carb food has been known to drop the BG levels 100 points or more. We want you to keep your kitty safe and not have to deal with a hypo.

Switching slowly, about 20 percent food each day, helps to cut down on the digestive upsets from any food switch.

A 2 unit starting dose of Lantus is a bit high for a 15 pound cat. 1.75U would be the normal starting dose for a cat that weight.

The effects of Lantus build up over a period of days, 5-7 days, to it takes time to see the full effects of the dose. That insulin depot that you have with Lantus stores some of the insulin for later use and the other part of the insulin goes to more immediate use. It takes time to fill that depot.
 
Wow Deb that is incredibly helpful. I'm guessing the vet started the dose on the high end because Charlie's bg was > 500. But I'll talk with my cat sitter tonight (she's a vet tech) and discuss this and ensure she's not seeing any signs of hypo. I have Dr. Pierson's chart, so will use that. Thank you so much!
 
Hello Leanne and Charlie,

I just wanted to say 'Hi', and 'welcome to FDMB'.
You've found the best site on the planet for help with your diabetic kitty. :smile:

Ask any questions you want to.

You'll feel at home here in no time at all. ~O)

Eliz
 
Thanks Eliz, this site has already been helpful. When I had a diabetic cat 14+ years ago, I struggled a lot knowing what to do. Stumbling upon Dr. Pierson's site, and her recommendation of this site, has led me to feel better already. Charlie already seems to be feeling better too, and I can't wait to get home and start the transition to a lower carb food.
Leanne
 
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