Not a newbie but need answers

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conreader4

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Hi,

My cat has been diagnosed with diabetes for about 2 years and I still don't have her regulated. She drinks a huge amount of water and as a result, floods the litter box every day. Before finding this site, I had no idea you could home test! I know my cat needs it but my vet never mentioned it to me. Unfortunetly, I am not working now and I can barely afford the insulin.

She currently takes Humulin N @ 4 & 4 and I feed her Purina cat chow indoor formula, 1 cup every 12 hours. I have another cat that in not diabetic, so that is for both of them. I read in the faqs that this type of insulin is probably not appropriate for her but it is what the vet prescribed.

She seems healthy and is fairly active but her weight is actually to high. I would feed her less, but if I don't feed as much as I do, she cries and follows me everywhere until the next feeding.

I could really use some help from someone that knows more than my vet. I am in St. Paul Park, MN. Pitton is my son's cat but I love her too. Also, I am going to go broke buying cat litter! nailbite_smile

Thanks!
Lisa
 
Welcome. That is relatively high dose of N insulin. It is very likely that 4 units twice daily (BID) is too high. How was that does determined? The dry food you are feeding results in a higher insulin needs than if a canned food was used.

Home testing of BG is the best way to determine dose. Where are you located (town/city)? Maybe someone is nearby that can help you learn to home test.
 
Welcome Lisa,

Yea Humulin N is pretty old school and few of us use it but there are some kitties that do well on it.

A couple things that can make a world of difference on both Pitton's regulation and even possible remission and your wallet is learning to home test. First it will give you a clear picture on how well the insulin is working for her. And Lori and Tom can set you up with a newbie kit with a meter and strip, rice sock..all the goodies for the price of the shipping. (although a small donation is also always appreciated). And we can help you learn how to use it. Home testing will take out the expense at the vet's for curves and dosage adjustments, plus you will be getting truer numbers as kitty isn't stressed out by all the weirdness at the vet's (Strange people, noises, smells etc).

Then once you are home testing...DUMP THE DRY FOOD. Diabetic cats, and well all cats do much better on a low carb/high portein diet. But you don't want to switch her diet before you are home testing or it could be risky to Pitton. Since many cats go into remission on the above diet and a small amount of insulin. And you don't need the expensive prescription canned food either. There is plenty of brands and flavors out there that you will be able to come up with a combination that works for you and both cats.

My diet controlled diabetic Max and my other 10 cats all eat 9-lives pate flavors that are between 4-8% carbs. Everyone is in excellent health and even my non-diabetics have improved over-all on this diet. It runs me about $40/week to keep everyone on a canned diet which actually over all comes in cheaper than having them on a good quality dry food.

Max now that he is diet contolled does not flood the litter box anymore, so is no different than having a regular cat. Plus the intense thirst and hunger comes from her not being regulated. Once you can help her get her blood sugar under control she will go back to eating and drinking like a normal kitty.

I'm sure others will be along shortly with a ton of links for you.

Mel
 
You can either go down to Walmart and get a cheap ReliOn meter with strips or you can get a free Newbie kit that will arrive in a few days. viewtopic.php?f=28&t=19541

As others have said,the only way to know whether your kitty is getting enough insulin or too much is to test him at home. We have helped lots of people learn over the internet. We'd love to help you.
 
I agree that some changes will help --
Humulin is a short-lasting insulin - it is usually all gone from the kitty in 8 to 10 hours, so that means 2-4 hours before every injection -- they are running high blood sugar (and peeing like crazy)

Dry food is like a human diabetic eating cake --

so -- learn to test blood sugar at home
reduce the insulin --- or change to a nice long lasting insulin like Lantus or Levemir or PZI
change to low carb canned food (grain free is usually good)

changing the food before you reduce the insulin can cause HYPOGLYCEMIA -- read about it and learn how to recognize and treat (low blood sugar from too much insulin)
 
Hi and Welcome,

Harley and I are on the Mpls. side of the river.

Check out Janet & Binky's food charts, there are many lower cost low carb foods on there like Friskies, Sophisticat, etc, that will be great for both cats, you'll want to stick to ones under 10% carbs.

Home testing isn't as hard as it sounds and will quickly become routine, it has for us.

Keep asking questions, we can walk you through it.
 
Waving hello from Victoria MN... West of the Mighty Mississippi also. I'll PM you my number so you can call with any questions... I read that you give the Humulin N at 4:00am and 4:00pm right? How many units do you shoot?
We'll be able to help you get things organized and if your sweet Pitton cooperates, we'll try to help get him feeling much better very soon. Until you can test his blood, I'd suggest you don't change anything yet... a change in diet could drastically change his insulin needs.

Now take a deep breath and try to relax... My boy lived to age 18, the last six with diabetes, and he ran and played the day he passed... of a blood clot to the brain.... He felt great and didn't drink and piddle to extremes once his numbers came down.
 
Hello Carol and Charlie!

Actually, I give her 4 units twice a day. Apparently, from what I have read that is probably to much. My veet has been less than helpful in this process so I am often left to my own devices.

I ordered a home testing kit from the newbie site and hope it will be here by early next week. I will probably need some assistance when first trying it. Pitton is a very patient cat but I know it will be tough at first FOR ME! :lol:

Maybe you or someone else can help me with another problem. I have nearly a full 16 pound bag of dry Cat Chow left and can't afford to just throw it away. Could I just mix a small amount with wet food until it is gone?

You guys have been a godsend and I REALLY appreciate all your advice!! :smile:

Thanks again,
Lisa

Oh, one more thing Carol. Excuse my ignorance but what is PM? I just think of post mortem when I see that...
 
You can take the Cat Chow back to the store and say your cat won't eat it. I have done that lots of times with various foods at PetSmart and they never question it.

BUT we don't want you to start on wet food until you are testing at home. When we switched Oliver over from dry to wet, his blood glucose levels went down 100 points overnight. If we had given him his regular dose, he would have hypoed.

PM means Private Message. If you look up in the left hand corner, it will say "1 new message". Click on that and you will see your message from Carol.
 
Lisa I tried to get your kit out today...did'nt know the P.O. would close before noon!
So it won't go out until monday morning.
You will have all you need to get started testing right away.
You will be getting a one touch ultra mini, so any of the one touch strips will be good for you if you want to check out e-bay for the best deals. I sent 25 strips, lancets, ear warmer, toy, a paper with all the important links and how to use the rice warmer... I look forward to welcoming you to the VAMPIRE CLUB :-D
Lori
and tomtom too!
 
You'll love the ultra one touch mini and the rice sock is a gotta have!! If I can't find strips on ebay, I get them at hocks.com or I google it and have found them cheaper sometimes through amazon.com.

Good luck!!
 
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