Should I start insulin?

[momtoJinx]

Hello,

I found out almost a week ago that our cat, Jinx, has advanced diabetes. His numbers are in the 700s. We've switched him to wet pate food and he's drinking a lot less water (one bowl today). My vet thinks we should go ahead and give insulin shots.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Amy.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

You can easily find out how the food has impacted his numbers and whether he is in diabetic ranges by testing him at home. We use human meters and test on their ears. It isn't hard and it saves a lot of stress and time and money at the vet's office. We'd be glad to teach you how,

 

[Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)]

I agree with your vet. But with the diet change, his BG levels might/should be lower. He most likely still needs insulin, but he'll need to be reexamined to determine that, and to determine a starting dose. Most cats, absent other complications, are usually started on about 1unit, twice per day.

Good insulin's are Lantus, Prozinc and Levemir. Other types of insulin tend to not work too well for cats. Has your vet mentioned insulin type or dosage to you? Or home testing?

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

Hello and welcome to the board!

What kind of pâtés are you giving him. And what country are you in? It will help us advise more to know.

Wendy

 

[BJM]

Here is the blunt truth: untreated diabetes is a death sentence by starvation as the cat cannot use any glucose calories and must break down fat and muscle for calories instead. Thus, your decision is treat or euthanize to be humane.

I'd go for the insulin. Recommended ones are Levemir, Lantus, ProZinc, or PZI.

You're feeding pate cat food, a definite step in the right direction. Cat Info has a printable list of US foods with the percent of calories (not weight), contributed by protein, fat, and carbohydrate. You should select foods which are under 10% calories from carbohydrates.