We have a brand new diagnosis for diabetes for our ten year old cat Leo. We're going back to the vet tonight to learn what we need to do. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Reading the posts, even from people with new diagnoses, is making my head spin. Is there anything we should be sure to ask?
Newly diagnosed
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tuckers mom
Very Active Member
Hi and welcome.
This is scary at first, really scary. But in time it gets to be so simple.
I don't know exactly what you should ask, I guess what type of insulin does your vet suggest, diet change and hometesting. Others can help with some of those questions.
If you do not know much about syringes, be sure they teach you how to draw insulin into the syringe, how to read the marks on the syringe and proper disposal of used syringes. Never reuse a syringe. It degrades after one use and can introduce bacteria into your fresh insulin as well as hurt the kitty if used a second time.
There really is a lot to go over, so maybe it's best if you ask us some questions and maybe we can help. Remember, you don't have to learn all of this in one day. You can ask questions as they arise over time. You are always welcome to do that.
But first I'd ask you what do your currently feed your kitty? How was your kitty diagnosed? Was it a fructosamene test that showed BGs over time or a one time blood sugar number? Did they check the urine for sugar or ketones?
This is scary at first, really scary. But in time it gets to be so simple.
I don't know exactly what you should ask, I guess what type of insulin does your vet suggest, diet change and hometesting. Others can help with some of those questions.
If you do not know much about syringes, be sure they teach you how to draw insulin into the syringe, how to read the marks on the syringe and proper disposal of used syringes. Never reuse a syringe. It degrades after one use and can introduce bacteria into your fresh insulin as well as hurt the kitty if used a second time.
There really is a lot to go over, so maybe it's best if you ask us some questions and maybe we can help. Remember, you don't have to learn all of this in one day. You can ask questions as they arise over time. You are always welcome to do that.
But first I'd ask you what do your currently feed your kitty? How was your kitty diagnosed? Was it a fructosamene test that showed BGs over time or a one time blood sugar number? Did they check the urine for sugar or ketones?
Thanks for the reply.
We should be okay with the syringes - we give the dog allergy shots. I"m sure these will be different, but at least we've handled syringes before. Right now, Leo eats Hills Kd (I think) - a prescription food for out other, older cat who has kidney issues. We have always just left food out for them but I guess we'll need to be more sure of what he eats than we can be if we do that.
He was diagnosed with a fructosamene test, but haven't done anything else yet. The vet just called this morning with the results, so maybe he will want to do more when we see him this evening.
We should be okay with the syringes - we give the dog allergy shots. I"m sure these will be different, but at least we've handled syringes before. Right now, Leo eats Hills Kd (I think) - a prescription food for out other, older cat who has kidney issues. We have always just left food out for them but I guess we'll need to be more sure of what he eats than we can be if we do that.
He was diagnosed with a fructosamene test, but haven't done anything else yet. The vet just called this morning with the results, so maybe he will want to do more when we see him this evening.
Pandasmom
Active Member
Welcome.
Yeah, it's pretty terrifying and overwhelming at first.
We were there just over 6 weeks ago. I was shaking and crying and so scared of doing something wrong or missing something.
Now, home testing is easy, giving the insulin is easy, I've learned the lingo... things are okay. The first week or so is the toughest.
I'd ask the vet about the kind of insulin, ask if he/she is supportive of home testing, ask what your cat's test numbers were for diagnosis.
Yeah, it's pretty terrifying and overwhelming at first.
We were there just over 6 weeks ago. I was shaking and crying and so scared of doing something wrong or missing something.
Now, home testing is easy, giving the insulin is easy, I've learned the lingo... things are okay. The first week or so is the toughest.
I'd ask the vet about the kind of insulin, ask if he/she is supportive of home testing, ask what your cat's test numbers were for diagnosis.
Lisa and Witn (GA)
Very Active Member
While a diagnosis of feline diabetes may seem scary and overwhelming, of all the diseases your cat can have, this is one of the most managable ones.
Here are some suggestions for when you meet with your vet.
1) What insulin are they going to prescribe and what dose? Many cats have been successfully regulated and sometimes able to go into remission using Lantus, Levemir and PZI. ProZinc is another good insulin but a very new one. If your vet prescribes Lantus, ask for the script for the cartridges or Solostar pens. Even though the initial cost is more expensive than the vial, it is actually more economical. Most people only get 1-2 months use out of a vial before the insulin stops working. With the scripts for the pens or cartridges, you get 5 times the amount of use for about 1 1/2 the cost of the vials.
For the dose we recommend starting low and slow. If your vet tries to start at a dose more than 1 unit twice a day, tell them you are not comfortable with that. For cats, insulin is not dosed by the cat's weight. Also, you need to give your cat at least one week on a consistant dose before making any changes. It takes that long before the body can adjust to the dose and respond properly.
2) Ask your vet if they support hometesting. You do not need your vet's permission to hometest, but it is great if they support it. Also, you do not need any special "animal" glucose meter to test. Buy any glucose meter used for humans. An economical meter to use that gets high marks is Walmart's Relion brand meters. If you can, pick up the meter and strips before you go to the vet and they can show you how to test.
3) Do not let your vet try to talk you into prescription foods. Most of us feed our cats either Fancy Feast or Friskies. There is a link to Janet and Binky's food list on the page for links. Look for foods under 10 in the carbs column and as high a number as possible in the protein column. Also get rid of the dry food. You will be surprised how much difference just a diet change can make in the blood glucose levels.
There is a lot of information on this site, so enjoy reading it. But don't become too overwhelmed by it. Also, feel free to ask any questions at any time. There is almost always someone online and we will be glad to help you.
Here are some suggestions for when you meet with your vet.
1) What insulin are they going to prescribe and what dose? Many cats have been successfully regulated and sometimes able to go into remission using Lantus, Levemir and PZI. ProZinc is another good insulin but a very new one. If your vet prescribes Lantus, ask for the script for the cartridges or Solostar pens. Even though the initial cost is more expensive than the vial, it is actually more economical. Most people only get 1-2 months use out of a vial before the insulin stops working. With the scripts for the pens or cartridges, you get 5 times the amount of use for about 1 1/2 the cost of the vials.
For the dose we recommend starting low and slow. If your vet tries to start at a dose more than 1 unit twice a day, tell them you are not comfortable with that. For cats, insulin is not dosed by the cat's weight. Also, you need to give your cat at least one week on a consistant dose before making any changes. It takes that long before the body can adjust to the dose and respond properly.
2) Ask your vet if they support hometesting. You do not need your vet's permission to hometest, but it is great if they support it. Also, you do not need any special "animal" glucose meter to test. Buy any glucose meter used for humans. An economical meter to use that gets high marks is Walmart's Relion brand meters. If you can, pick up the meter and strips before you go to the vet and they can show you how to test.
3) Do not let your vet try to talk you into prescription foods. Most of us feed our cats either Fancy Feast or Friskies. There is a link to Janet and Binky's food list on the page for links. Look for foods under 10 in the carbs column and as high a number as possible in the protein column. Also get rid of the dry food. You will be surprised how much difference just a diet change can make in the blood glucose levels.
There is a lot of information on this site, so enjoy reading it. But don't become too overwhelmed by it. Also, feel free to ask any questions at any time. There is almost always someone online and we will be glad to help you.
tuckers mom
Very Active Member
When you get a chance, take a moment to read about hypoglycemia, this may never happen, but just in case, it's good to be prepared.
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1122
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1122
RachelandConner
Member
Conner was diagnosed a week a go last Monday, so I understand the frustration, confusion and not knowing which way to turn. There are days that I feel like I am still going to do something wrong, but this site has offered a wealth of information that has been invaluable. And Conner is so much better and getting back to himself. I have a second cat and switched him over to the same diet, just having to deal with a few digestive issues, but I think those have been addressed now. Your kitty will get better and life will return to some semblance of normal.
Gia and Quirk
Active Member
Hi and welcome!
I just want to alert you to a possible problem. The allergy needles you are using do not use the same measurement scale as the insulin needles. Be sure you have a plan for keeping them separate when you bring the new needles home.
I will assume that the k/d you are feeding is dry, and it's the root of Leo's problem. Please read www,catinfo.org before you see the vet and don't buy any of that overpriced, poor quality so-called 'prescription' food. You can do better.
Do ask about insulin choices and if either Lantus or Levemir is offered, take it. If another insulin is recommended ask if your vet is familiar with these two insulins and tell him/her you will be happy to bring information to him/her.
Please let us know how the vet visit goes! We will be looking for your update.
I just want to alert you to a possible problem. The allergy needles you are using do not use the same measurement scale as the insulin needles. Be sure you have a plan for keeping them separate when you bring the new needles home.
I will assume that the k/d you are feeding is dry, and it's the root of Leo's problem. Please read www,catinfo.org before you see the vet and don't buy any of that overpriced, poor quality so-called 'prescription' food. You can do better.
Do ask about insulin choices and if either Lantus or Levemir is offered, take it. If another insulin is recommended ask if your vet is familiar with these two insulins and tell him/her you will be happy to bring information to him/her.
Please let us know how the vet visit goes! We will be looking for your update.
We are back from the vet. He prescribed Lantus, so that seems to be a good thing. Even though we give the dog allergy shots, my husband usually does it, and I was really apprehensive about that part. But Leo is much more my buddy than he is my husband's, so I knew I needed to do it. It went really well. I'm starting to think we're going to be okay. Thank you so much for all of the support and suggestions. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions in the upcoming days.
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