On the juice again

[Georgia]

Last April, my kitty, Rocky, was diagnosed with diabetes. We began insulin and watching his diet closer (eliminating certain foods). By October he was in remission and we were so happy. Well, I took him for his annual exam this month and after doing the fructosamine test, it came back 624. He is on Pro-zinc insulin again 1.3 units twice a day. I take him in this Friday for the vet to do the curve. I guess I'm just wondering if this is normal for a cat to go into remission and then back where he was. Also, is there a possibility that he will go into remission again? I do know I had been "cheating" on his food and letting him have some of the canned food that is probably too high in carbs etc.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Yes, eating higher carb food can push a cat out of remission. We say they are "diet controlled diabetics", not no longer diabetic.

I would urge you to start hometesting at home so you can keep track of his numbers and dose carefully, to use the insulin most effectively.

Here is our ProZinc protocol:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=109077

We'd be happy to help your learn how to test Rocky at home. It saves a lot of money and is more accurate (no vet stress).

 

[Georgia]

I do test Rocky at home, but work outside the home, so it will be easier for the vet to do the curve. I don't test as often as most do on this forum, but so far we have managed to keep him safe by testing once or twice a day and observing his behavior etc. He isn't as stressed about all this as I am. I actually had panic attacks when he was first diagnosed, but things are much better now.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Great that you test! If you can get a few of the midcycle numbers, it will tell you how the insulin is working. There are several choices:

If he goes low mid cycle (between 5-7 hours after the shot), then the dose may be a little high and causing him to bounce up into higher numbers.

If he is flat, then maybe a little more insulin is needed.

Not sure about Rocky, but many cats here are 100 points higher at the vet than at home. They get stressed out with all the strange animals, people and noises. Then doses based on those numbers can be too high once they get home and relax. Once your vet decides on a dose based on his curve, you might test at home before you give that first shot.

I didn't answer the question about going off insulin again. Yes, it is possible. You might want to go over to the PZI forum and see how other people are doing on your insulin. Misty over there was in remission for several weeks; Mom changed food to low carb dry. We still aren't sure if that is what caused her to drop out of remission, but they are working on getting back.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewforum.php?f=24