Oliver was constantly drinking water, peeing and eating only dry catfood. Took him to the vet, diagnosed with diabetes, blood sugar 381. Brought him home, changed to only wet high protein food mixed with tuna water. He almost seems normal...peeing a normal amount, grooming himself, purring. I am hesitant to give him insulin as suggested by the vet. It has only been less than a week. What to do?
Oliver 7 year old male diagnosed with diabetes July 30
- Thread starter sjay
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Larry and Kitties
Member Since 2009
Welcome.
Just what food are you feeding?
What insulin did the vet prescribe and what was the dose? What was the basis for the diagnosis?
Do y know the blood glucose level?
Was there glucose in the urine?
Most of us here test our cat's blood sugar level using a human hand-held meter. The Walmart Confirm or Confirm Micro is good. We test befor each shot and periodically between shots. That way we know if it safe to give a shot or that a reduction in dose is required.
You are right in being hesitant to shot since the symptoms have subsided.
Just what food are you feeding?
What insulin did the vet prescribe and what was the dose? What was the basis for the diagnosis?
Do y know the blood glucose level?
Was there glucose in the urine?
Most of us here test our cat's blood sugar level using a human hand-held meter. The Walmart Confirm or Confirm Micro is good. We test befor each shot and periodically between shots. That way we know if it safe to give a shot or that a reduction in dose is required.
You are right in being hesitant to shot since the symptoms have subsided.
I am feeding Fancy Feast....mixed with tuna juice as Oliver hated wet cat food before. There was glucose in his urine and I think she may have said ketones. I am shocked at how he has responded, seeming less tired, Happier, and much less thirst and urine in such a little time. I have not followed up with the next appt about insulin and wondering if I should get a hand held meter and see if the numbers are better?
Robin&BB
Member Since 2013
It is great that your cat is responding to the change in diet! But is a very good idea to get the meter and check his BG #s - as when you're talking about diabetes, is better to not assume. (I did that once - when my cat ws in remission for 1.5 yrs; won't make that mistake again.)
Larry and Kitties
Member Since 2009
Yes, I would get a BG meter and test.
My Dulce, who I adopted as an untreated diabetic, only needed insulin for about a month.
My Dulce, who I adopted as an untreated diabetic, only needed insulin for about a month.
Robin&BB
Member Since 2013
That's wonderful! What a great response to treatment.
And that's the great thing about testing BG levels @ home, too - it really helps to have the data, as this helps guide you toward the most effective way to treat that kitty. Remember: Every cat is different (ECID). Kind of a mantra around the FDMB! And you should actually spot-check your other kitty - at least once a month, even in remission. (Another thing I hadn't been doing, last time around. My bad!)
Thanks so much for the info! I will get a meter...very nervous about it!
Thank you! Good to know!
Robin&BB
Member Since 2013
Don't worry, I was super-nervous in the beginning, too. But there's great video here on the main info page to help you learn, and all of us here will be glad to be of support while you're trying to get those first tests, too. I know you can do this!
(If I can do it, anybody can.
)
Critter Mom
Member Since 2014
Good call, Sjay!
Sounds like you've picked quite a good food for Oliver. Switching from dry, high carb food to healthier high protein wet food can have a dramatic lowering effect on blood glucose levels - and in a very short space of time. The very positive changes you describe in Oliver's clinical signs certainly point to his blood glucose having lowered significantly: they are typical of a cat recovering from hyperglycaemia.
The only way to determine whether or not Oliver may still need insulin is to test his blood glucose levels. I see that other members have already given you some information about this.
Testing is a pretty straightforward process. After maybe a few hiccups when you first start, it soon becomes second nature. Here are some forum guides so that you can start learning what's involved (includes helpful videos).
Home Testing Links and Tips (includes how-to videos)
Tips on Testing and Giving Injections (really good diagram of where to test on the ear at the beginning of this thread)
You mentioned above that Oliver has tested positive for ketones at some stage. All diabetics need to check for ketones periodically but in a cat who has tested positive it's important to monitor more closely. It's a very straightforward thing to do. Just pick up some ketone test strips from a pharmacy (or other place that sells diabetic supplies) and test Oliver's urine with the strip. NB - anything more than TRACE ketones needs veterinary treatment, so if you get a any higher a result than Trace you need to take Oliver to the vets straight away. (If ketones aren't treated promptly a cat can develop diabetic ketoacidosis - potentially life-threatening and expensive to treat.)
I'd strongly recommend you let your vet know straight away about the big improvement in Oliver's clinical signs so that you can both review his treatment strategy. Again because Oliver has tested positive for ketones a little extra care is needed in terms of managing his insulin requirements. Whereas it might be relatively low-risk to take a 'wait and see' approach to making a decision about whether to commence insulin treatment in a cat with relatively low BG and not prone to ketones, a more cautious approach is wiser in the case of a ketone-prone cat since insufficient insulin can result in ketones reappearing. The dose that your vet will have prescribed is highly, highly likely to be way too high for Oliver's needs now that he has made the diet transition. You were completely correct to withhold the insulin. However, his better blood glucose levels now need to be assessed. In light of those results you and your vet will be able to determine whether Oliver's pancreas may still need a little support from insulin but at a much-reduced dose than the one set by your vet at time of prescription. Feel free to ask for advice and opinions here at any time. There are members here with a wealth of experience in the treatment and management of feline diabetes.
Food-wise, it's good to hear that tuna juice is helping you to tempt Oliver away from the 'dark side'!
Which Fancy Feast flavours are you feeding? I believe the Classic patés are good choices. (The Gravy Lovers range are too high in carbs for general feeding but good for a hypo kit.)Again, great call on the insulin.
Mogs
.
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I can't believe all of you helpful, knowledgeable cat lovers!! All of these replies have been so helpful to sort out the best course of action. I will bring Ollie to the vet tomorrow and hopefully they have can retest him. I have done the classic pates which are easy to water down and am just thrilled with the positive results happening so quickly ! I will post again tomorrow with the hopefully great results! Thank you to all who have taken the time to help us!!!!Good call, Sjay!
Sounds like you've picked quite a good food for Oliver. Switching from dry, high carb food to healthier high protein wet food can have a dramatic lowering effect on blood glucose levels - and in a very short space of time. The very positive changes you describe in Oliver's clinical signs certainly point to his blood glucose having lowered significantly: they are typical of a cat recovering from hyperglycaemia.
The only way to determine whether or not Oliver may still need insulin is to test his blood glucose levels. I see that other members have already given you some information about this.
Testing is a pretty straightforward process. After maybe a few hiccups when you first start, it soon becomes second nature. Here are some forum guides so that you can start learning what's involved (includes helpful videos).
Home Testing Links and Tips (includes how-to videos)
Tips on Testing and Giving Injections (really good diagram of where to test on the ear at the beginning of this thread)
You mentioned above that Oliver has tested positive for ketones at some stage. All diabetics need to check for ketones periodically but in a cat who has tested positive it's important to monitor more closely. It's a very straightforward thing to do. Just pick up some ketone test strips from a pharmacy (or other place that sells diabetic supplies) and test Oliver's urine with the strip. NB - anything more than TRACE ketones needs veterinary treatment, so if you get a any higher a result than Trace you need to take Oliver to the vets straight away. (If ketones aren't treated promptly a cat can develop diabetic ketoacidosis - potentially life-threatening and expensive to treat.)
I'd strongly recommend you let your vet know straight away about the big improvement in Oliver's clinical signs so that you can both review his treatment strategy. Again because Oliver has tested positive for ketones a little extra care is needed in terms of managing his insulin requirements. Whereas it might be relatively low-risk to take a 'wait and see' approach to making a decision about whether to commence insulin treatment in a cat not prone to ketones, a more cautious approach is wiser in the case of a ketone-prone cat since insufficient insulin can result in ketones reappearing. The dose that your vet will have prescribed is highly, highly likely to be way too high for Oliver's needs now that he has made the diet transition. You were completely correct to withhold the insulin. However, his better blood glucose levels now need to be assessed. In light of those results you and your vet will be able to determine whether Oliver's pancreas may still need a little support from insulin but at a much-reduced dose than the one set by your vet at time of prescription. Feel free to ask for advice and opinions here at any time. There are members here with a wealth of experience in the treatment and management of feline diabetes.
Food-wise, it's good to hear that tuna juice is helping you to tempt Oliver away from the 'dark side'!
Again, great call on the insulin.
Mogs
.
Thank you for this detailed info....I will now do a little research on ketones!! All of these caring responses are so very appreciated...thank you!!Good call, Sjay!
Sounds like you've picked quite a good food for Oliver. Switching from dry, high carb food to healthier high protein wet food can have a dramatic lowering effect on blood glucose levels - and in a very short space of time. The very positive changes you describe in Oliver's clinical signs certainly point to his blood glucose having lowered significantly: they are typical of a cat recovering from hyperglycaemia.
The only way to determine whether or not Oliver may still need insulin is to test his blood glucose levels. I see that other members have already given you some information about this.
Testing is a pretty straightforward process. After maybe a few hiccups when you first start, it soon becomes second nature. Here are some forum guides so that you can start learning what's involved (includes helpful videos).
Home Testing Links and Tips (includes how-to videos)
Tips on Testing and Giving Injections (really good diagram of where to test on the ear at the beginning of this thread)
You mentioned above that Oliver has tested positive for ketones at some stage. All diabetics need to check for ketones periodically but in a cat who has tested positive it's important to monitor more closely. It's a very straightforward thing to do. Just pick up some ketone test strips from a pharmacy (or other place that sells diabetic supplies) and test Oliver's urine with the strip. NB - anything more than TRACE ketones needs veterinary treatment, so if you get a any higher a result than Trace you need to take Oliver to the vets straight away. (If ketones aren't treated promptly a cat can develop diabetic ketoacidosis - potentially life-threatening and expensive to treat.)
I'd strongly recommend you let your vet know straight away about the big improvement in Oliver's clinical signs so that you can both review his treatment strategy. Again because Oliver has tested positive for ketones a little extra care is needed in terms of managing his insulin requirements. Whereas it might be relatively low-risk to take a 'wait and see' approach to making a decision about whether to commence insulin treatment in a cat not prone to ketones, a more cautious approach is wiser in the case of a ketone-prone cat since insufficient insulin can result in ketones reappearing. The dose that your vet will have prescribed is highly, highly likely to be way too high for Oliver's needs now that he has made the diet transition. You were completely correct to withhold the insulin. However, his better blood glucose levels now need to be assessed. In light of those results you and your vet will be able to determine whether Oliver's pancreas may still need a little support from insulin but at a much-reduced dose than the one set by your vet at time of prescription. Feel free to ask for advice and opinions here at any time. There are members here with a wealth of experience in the treatment and management of feline diabetes.
Food-wise, it's good to hear that tuna juice is helping you to tempt Oliver away from the 'dark side'!
Again, great call on the insulin.
Mogs
.
Critter Mom
Member Since 2014
Quick tip: cats can get stressy travelling and at the vet's surgery and that can temporarily elevate their blood glucose levels. This can result in doses being set that are too high for when the cat calms down again.
In addition to the tests you get at the vets, I'd strongly recommend testing at home a few hours after Ollie gets back from the vetty bean and his BG levels have had a chance to return to normal. After he has eaten a meal, lift the food and don't give him any more. Test the BG after the 2 hours. This will give you an idea of what Ollie's BG is with little or no influence from food. Tests carried out in this manner give you the BG needed to guide dosing decisions.
Glad your little fella is doing so well, Sjay.
Mogs
.
More good info. The vet was great and tested Ollie...not as good as I thought 381 down from 488. I went and got the insulin and was advised to start at one unit 2 times daily. I will let this sink in a little and get a tester to see if it makes a difference.Quick tip: cats can get stressy travelling and at the vet's surgery and that can temporarily elevate their blood glucose levels. This can result in doses being set that are too high for when the cat calms down again.
In addition to the tests you get at the vets, I'd strongly recommend testing at home a few hours after Ollie gets back from the vetty bean and his BG levels have had a chance to return to normal. After he has eaten a meal, lift the food and don't give him any more. Test the BG after the 2 hours. This will give you an idea of what Ollie's BG is with little or no influence from food. Tests carried out in this manner give you the BG needed to guide dosing decisions.
Glad your little fella is doing so well, Sjay.
Mogs
.
also advised NO ketones in his urine...happy about that. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and advice! I will repost as we go!!
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