Seeking EU U-40 insulin syringe with 1/2 markings & ketones raising w/glucose

[ChristineV]

Hi, I've combed through all the posts here and cannot find answers to my two questions. Hoping someone can help me out.

• In search of where i can buy in EU the equivalent of Ulticare VetRX U-40 insulin syringe with 1/2 markings so we can more accurately give our little Charlie .5 insulin 2x a day.

• We have been tracking his ketones and glucose 2x a day and it seems his ketones raise when his glucose rises. Does anyone know why that is, and how we can get him to zero ketones (which i think is the goal here)?

0.5 insulin 2x a day insulin has been seeming to work, along with switching him to Purina Gold Succulent Delights (6.7% carbs). His glucose just before eating is around 110-130, and ketones is 5-7mmol. And lowest glucose during the day is about 66. We just put a 14-day sensor on him to get a full 14-day read on the numbers so we do not have to prick his ear all the time.

Background: He was on cortisone for a few months from January to April-May in an effort to save him as the cat shelter didn't know what was wrong with him when they found him almost dead. We think this is what caused him to get diabetes. He was diagnosed 10 days ago when we brought him in because we saw he was peeing everywhere but the box - on beds, sofa, floor, in front of cat box, etc. And there was a little blood in the pee. He also had soft stool. We brought him into the VET within 3 hours after the symptoms started. It was then that they tested him for diabetes. He always drank and pee'd A LOT and we told this to the last vet ALL THE TIME but she repeatedly assured us that he is perfectly healthy. In January when they tested him the one time, he showed no signs of diabetes. It took him 3 long days to recover from whatever was wrong with him, where he couldnt even lift his head! He is 17 years old, and aside from diabetes he is now a happy, active biscuit-maker - although he doesn't move much otherwise. Oh, and 10 days ago,THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Part way down this post: UK Diabetic Cat Food Info (includes some supplies), there is a heading for syringes with a few link to buy U-40 syringes with 1/2 unit markings online. And other trick is to use U-100 syringes with 1/2 unit markings and a conversion chart.

Good for you on testing regularly for ketones. Keys to keep ketones down are getting to a good insulin dose where he doesn't see high number, plenty of calories (not carbs) and water. Many people add a little water to kitty's wet food to increase water intake. You definitely want him a lot closer to zero, though it doesn't have to be at zero. Under 1 is a good target.

With insulins we are familiar with here, testing more than twice a day is ideal. You want to test just before you shoot (preshot time) to make sure it's safe to shoot, then somewhere in the middle to see how low the dose is taking him.

What type of insulin are you using? What food are you giving? Best to answer these questions in your signature. This post tells you a few other things we like to order to help you: New? How You Can Help Us Help You!

 

[ChristineV]

Thanks so much Wendy for your thoughtful reply. He is on Prozinc, 0.5 2x a day. We have that lifestyle 2 on him the last couple days to better monitor him for a couple weeks. As we are in EU, we were looking for syringes to get here in EU as importing is not ideal. You can wait months, if it arrives at all. :-( So relieved to know the ketone levels will not kill him and we should keep doing what we are doing with the low carb food, lots of water and steady dosage of insulin. I also read to try supplementing with methyl b12 for weak hind legs so maybe our little senior can sit down normal without his hind legs falling to the sides. Thanks again!