steroid induced diabetes question

[Snoops mom]

I am PRAYING that my cat Raven is NOT diabetic, or getting diabetes, but she did have a steroid shot ten days ago (her second shot since living with me, what happened to her before I adopted her, is totally unknown. She is approx 14-15yrs old)

She was drinking more after her shot but hadn't been showing any increased appetite until today. Today, she was scarfing down food like she was starving.

I've had two diabetic cats so I'm not totally in the dark, but I have not kept up with what is new in treating FD and am wondering, IF she is getting diabetes from the steroid, do I get her on insulin as fast as possible, which I'm assuming is the best way to go
and if so
which insulin is recommended for steroid induced diabetes? is any one insulin preferred over others?

My first diabetic cat was on an insulin that is no longer produced (back in the early 1990s)
My second diabetic was on PZI- and I guess that's not available any more either>?

Should I get a meter and test her BG or just test her urine with those keto diastix?

I am on a very low fixed income so I need to go about this the most frugal way possible. I am not panicking, but I am a bit concerned as she didn't show this kind of an appetite surge the last time she had a depo medrol shot

Oh, she is getting ear drops with a steroid in them as well. If I had known that the ear drops were going to have a steroid in them too, I would have refused the shot for her and/or asked for dex or something else instead.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Hi Althea, So glad to hear from you but sorry for the reason. If you decide to get the meter PM Lori and Tom. She will send you one. I think it will include strips. We all need help now and again. You have helped many here before. See if she has a meter to send.
I'll keep Raven in my prayers.
jeanne

 

[BJM]

In humans, steroid injections often cause an increased appetite and increased sweating with a corresponding need to drink more water. Also sometimes an increase in blood glucose.

This may be similar in cats; I know the appetite and thirst happen in me when I'm on them for asthma.

 

[Kelly & Oscar]

Steroids can definitely cause diabetes. They usually cause increased drinking and peeing while the steroid is in the system, but if it continues for 2-3 weeks after the injectable steroid should be out of the system (they typically last for 2 weeks or so) then you may have a case of transient diabetes on your hands. Good thing is that steroid induced diabetics usually get off of insulin rather quickly, and some can do it with a diet change alone. PM Lori and Tom (like someone else suggested) and get a free newbie meter/strips kit. That will give you a more definitive diagnosis.