So I just found out yesterday that my 13 year old cat had diabetes. I just picked up his insulin today and the prescribed lantus. It says to give 2.0 ml twice daily but I was just wondering how long to wait in between injections and if you should give them around the same time everyday. Also the vet said nothing about testing him. Also they gave me purina dm to feed him. Any extra advice would be much appreciated!!
Very new diabetic cat, please help!
- Thread starter Ambr8722
- Start date
- Status
BJM
Member Since 2010
Welcome!
Insulin doses are measured in units; a full mL contains 100 units of Lantus, so I think you mean 2 units, yes?
The proper dose of Lantus is calculated based on the lower of current weight or ideal weight, in kilograms (kg). What are your cat's current and ideal weights? If in pounds, divide by 2.2 to get kg. If you have a small cat, 2 units may be way too high.
Lantus is best given every 12 hours ... almost exactly. If you are inconsistent in shooting, the glucose control will be uneven.
Never shake, rattle, nor roll your Lantus; it doesn't like (to) rock!
Keep it cool in the refrigerator, on a shelf, not the door, and it will last longer.
Blood glucose testing is the gold standard for monitoring your cat. You will need a human glucometer such as the inexpensive ReliOn Confirm from WalMart (aka the Arkray Glucocard 01 from our shopping Partner ADW at the link in the page header), the testing strips for it, and lancets (26 or 27 gauge to start).
1) Always test before you shoot to be sure it is safe to give the insulin.
2) starting out, never give insulin if the glucose is below 200. As you accumulate test data, that number may be lowered gradually so long as it is safe.
See my signature link Secondary monitoring tools for information on urine ketone testing. Your local pharmacy will have urine ketone of ketone and glucose test strips in the diabetes care area. Ketones are a by-product of fat breakdown, which may occur when there isn't enough insulin on board. This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is very expensive to treat.
For food info, pop over to Cat Info. There is a pdf file you can print out to help you shop for inexpensive, low carb, over the counter food which will be better for your cat and pocketbook. You may return the DM and say your cat won't eat it (and many won't after just a few meals!).
Insulin doses are measured in units; a full mL contains 100 units of Lantus, so I think you mean 2 units, yes?
The proper dose of Lantus is calculated based on the lower of current weight or ideal weight, in kilograms (kg). What are your cat's current and ideal weights? If in pounds, divide by 2.2 to get kg. If you have a small cat, 2 units may be way too high.
Lantus is best given every 12 hours ... almost exactly. If you are inconsistent in shooting, the glucose control will be uneven.
Never shake, rattle, nor roll your Lantus; it doesn't like (to) rock!
Keep it cool in the refrigerator, on a shelf, not the door, and it will last longer.
Blood glucose testing is the gold standard for monitoring your cat. You will need a human glucometer such as the inexpensive ReliOn Confirm from WalMart (aka the Arkray Glucocard 01 from our shopping Partner ADW at the link in the page header), the testing strips for it, and lancets (26 or 27 gauge to start).
1) Always test before you shoot to be sure it is safe to give the insulin.
2) starting out, never give insulin if the glucose is below 200. As you accumulate test data, that number may be lowered gradually so long as it is safe.
See my signature link Secondary monitoring tools for information on urine ketone testing. Your local pharmacy will have urine ketone of ketone and glucose test strips in the diabetes care area. Ketones are a by-product of fat breakdown, which may occur when there isn't enough insulin on board. This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is very expensive to treat.
For food info, pop over to Cat Info. There is a pdf file you can print out to help you shop for inexpensive, low carb, over the counter food which will be better for your cat and pocketbook. You may return the DM and say your cat won't eat it (and many won't after just a few meals!).
MaryB & Chester
Member Since 2012
BJM pretty much covered it. Welcome aboard!
I wouldn't start injecting until you are testing his blood at home. That way you know if it's safe to give him the shot. If you shoot when he's too low, he could end up Hypoglycemic (very bad). There's a sticky above in this forum that describes hypo events and what to do about them. Double-check your dose with your vet, too.
Testing isn't to hard but it does take a little practice. Low-carb treats (like freeze dried chicken) go a long way toward making it easier on your cat. My boy already understands the phrase "test & treat!" and follows me right to the couch. I test on Chester's ears. Poke with a lancet along the edge and let the test meter strip soak up the blood drop. It sounds scary, but is a lot easier than I thought it would be. The human blood meters seem to work just fine.
You don't have to feed him the special diet. Most of us seem to use more available, affordable, tasty food. Pate-style Friskies or Fancy Feast are a couple of good, grocery-store options. Just don't get the chunks or shreds - gravy foods are higher in carbs than is really good for them. Just about everyone here feeds cans - no dry. There are a couple of low-carb dry foods that are better than nothing if your cat doesn't take to wet food right away. The whole point is to get them on a high-protein, low-carb diet. Carbs are bad for blood sugar.
That said, I wouldn't shake up his food AND start insulin at the same time. Switching to low-carb food can lower a kitty's blood sugar readings significantly and that might require a decrease in the insulin dose. Some cats even turn out to be diet-controlled - as long as they eat only the low-carb stuff, they don't need insulin.
Has your vet given you a demonstration of how to test and do the insulin shots? If not, I'd ask. It wasn't hard, but I'm glad they had someone to show me how.
I wouldn't start injecting until you are testing his blood at home. That way you know if it's safe to give him the shot. If you shoot when he's too low, he could end up Hypoglycemic (very bad). There's a sticky above in this forum that describes hypo events and what to do about them. Double-check your dose with your vet, too.
Testing isn't to hard but it does take a little practice. Low-carb treats (like freeze dried chicken) go a long way toward making it easier on your cat. My boy already understands the phrase "test & treat!" and follows me right to the couch. I test on Chester's ears. Poke with a lancet along the edge and let the test meter strip soak up the blood drop. It sounds scary, but is a lot easier than I thought it would be. The human blood meters seem to work just fine.
You don't have to feed him the special diet. Most of us seem to use more available, affordable, tasty food. Pate-style Friskies or Fancy Feast are a couple of good, grocery-store options. Just don't get the chunks or shreds - gravy foods are higher in carbs than is really good for them. Just about everyone here feeds cans - no dry. There are a couple of low-carb dry foods that are better than nothing if your cat doesn't take to wet food right away. The whole point is to get them on a high-protein, low-carb diet. Carbs are bad for blood sugar.
That said, I wouldn't shake up his food AND start insulin at the same time. Switching to low-carb food can lower a kitty's blood sugar readings significantly and that might require a decrease in the insulin dose. Some cats even turn out to be diet-controlled - as long as they eat only the low-carb stuff, they don't need insulin.
Has your vet given you a demonstration of how to test and do the insulin shots? If not, I'd ask. It wasn't hard, but I'm glad they had someone to show me how.
shebasmomma
Member Since 2013
Im farily new to diabetic cat too. But I want to tell you that I was told to get a cup of rice and put it in a sock and heat it in the microwave to warm it up and put it on the cats ear before you test. I was unable to get any blood from the ear until I did that little trick and then it was easier to get the blood and my cat remains pretty calm during it. Just dont forget to reward your cat after you test him/her and lots of loving. Hope things work out well for you. It is still up and down for me but this message board has been a really big help.
squeem3
Member Since 2009
Ambr8722 said:
Welcome :smile:
Lantus is a great insulin to use :smile:
I hope you don't meant 2 ML of insulin
That is a HUGE overdose for a cat - two completely full 1 ml insulin syringes :shock: :shock: Insulin is commonly measured in units. I think your dose is 2 units, which can be written as 0.02 ml but few people refer to insulin doses in ml.Here is the official published Lantus dosing protocol done by the University of Queensland: http://www.uq.edu.au/ccah/docs/diabetesinfo/link4.pdf
Here is the Lantus dosing protocol most people here follow: http://www.tillydiabetes.net/en_6_protocol2.htm
2 units is a bit of a high starting dose to start with. We recommend no more than 1 unit twice a day. Insulin can pack a punch so it's best to start at a very low dose and increase as needed than to start too high and risk a hypo.
Insulin is always given 12 hours apart. With Lantus you want to get as close to every 12 hours as possible.. 10 minutes off or so won't hurt but you don't want to dose an hour off one day, then go back to the usual schedule, then dose an hour off again.
The info stickies on the Lantus board has tons of info about how Lantus works for cats: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewforum.php?f=9 Take your time to read through them.
You don't need the Purina DM or any other prescription food. You're paying $$$ for food that is the quality of potato chips, greasy burgers, candy, etc. Reutrn the food to the vet and buy commerical canned food instead. Popular brands to feed a diabetic cat are Fancy Feast, Friskies, Merrick, Wellness, and Innova EVO. Not all foods are low in carbs, though. Use these lists to find suitable foods:
Dr. Lisa's new food chart http://www.catinfo.org/docs/Food Chart Public 9-22-12.pdf
Binky's canned food charts
Pet Food Nutritional Values list
Hobo's Guide To Nutritional Values
Look for foods under 10% carbs on the above four charts.
Here are easy printable lists of low carb foods:
Dr. Lynne's Wet Food list
List of low carb gluten free Fancy Feast
http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=84885
http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=81687
http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=84512
Blood glucose testing is important. You need to know what your cat's blood glucose levels are and how the insulin and dose is working. Blindling giving insulin without knowing what the blood gluocse level is can be dangerous. Your cat could become hypoglycemic in a few short hours, not a good thing if this happens during the day and you are at work and there's no one at home to treat the hypo or take the cat to the vet.
You don't need the vet's permission to test your cat's blood glucose levels. The only thing you need to use for testing is a blood glucose meter and the related supplies (test strips, lancets). Most people here use a Human meter. A few people use a pet meter (AlphaTrack) but this is not necessary, not any more accurate then a Human meter, and it is expensive and supplies are not available in stores.
You can request a free starter test kit from FDMB. Just click on the Home testing Kit picture at the top of the page.
Info for testing is here: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=287
Thanks guys, I definitely have a lot of research to do. The bottle actually does say 2.0 ml but I for sure will just give 2.0 units the first time. I just can't believe my vet didn't tell me any of this information. And I'll be going to get a tester tomorrow. My schedule is always different so I'm worried about being able to give it to him exactly every 12 hours. Do you guys know if there is a different type of insulin that is better with that type of thing or are they all pretty much like that? Another thing is my cat doesn't like wet food at all, I tried a lot of different kinds in the past and he never wants to eat it.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
It's a lot to take in at once. Does your bottle of lantus look like this? If so, then he means 2units not 2ml. 2ml would be 1/5 of the bottle and a major overdose.
A lot of people on here feed the classics fancy feasts which cats love but if yours won't eat it, here are some tips... http://www.catinfo.org/docs/Tips for Transitioning PDF 1-14-11.pdf
A lot of people on here feed the classics fancy feasts which cats love but if yours won't eat it, here are some tips... http://www.catinfo.org/docs/Tips for Transitioning PDF 1-14-11.pdf
squeem3
Member Since 2009
Ambr8722 said:
Maybe 2 ml is the volume of the bottle? What wxactly does the label say? "Give 2 ml twice a day"?
Does your Lantus bottle look like this?
If it does not, then your vet repackaged the insulin into a different container and it may not be sterile to use. I would not use this repackaged insulin at all.
If your bottle does look like the above picture, then the vet or the pharmacist miswrote the dosage. Defintely call the vet to confirm the dose. Also ask about starting at 0.5 units or 1 unit twice a day instead. Better to start too low and not see much of an effect than to start too high and risk harming the cat, IMO.
squeem3
Member Since 2009
There are people here who have varying daily schedules and can manage giving Lantus, either the tight regulation protocol or the "relaxed" one.
ProZinc insulin may be an alternative choice for your schedule.
Keep trying. Here are tips on how to transition a cat to canned food: http://catinfo.org/docs/Tips for Transitioning PDF 1-14-11.pdf Some stubborn cats may take months to eat canned food. Is your cat picky about texture? Some cats only like chunks/slices/shredded etc and will refuse pate style. Other cats are the opposite.
There are some commerical low carb dry foods you can (temporarily) feed while you keep trying with the food transition. Nature's Variety Instinct, Innova EVO, and Wellness Core are the popular ones.
Raw food is also an option. Some people here make their own raw food, others buy a commerical brand.
Maybe someone meant 0.02 ml (aka 2 units) but put the decimal point in the wrong place.
Michelle & Dusty
Member Since 2012
It can last much longer than a month. Keep it refrigerated (but be sure it doesn't freeze), treat it gently, and don't squirt insulin back into the bottle after drawing it into the needle (b/c the needle has lubricant in it and that lubricant can contaminate the Lantus), and it can last several months. Just check to make sure it's not cloudy and it doesn't have crystals in it. And if you notice that its effectiveness is dropping after a while (likely several months) then is the time to replace it.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Assuming you keep it in the fridge (not the door), that you don't shake it or roll the bottle, and that you watch for flakes or it to go cloudy, people here have had it last up to six months.
From personal experience.. My last vial I was using for two cats, so doing twice as many draws a day than most people. I replaced the vial after four months when I thought it might be going bad based on my cats blood glucose levels. But the new vial gave the same blood results so I know it wasn't the vial and I probably could have gotten more time out of it.
From personal experience.. My last vial I was using for two cats, so doing twice as many draws a day than most people. I replaced the vial after four months when I thought it might be going bad based on my cats blood glucose levels. But the new vial gave the same blood results so I know it wasn't the vial and I probably could have gotten more time out of it.
Donna & Doogle
Member Since 2011
Welcome to the family!! I would also like to suggest read EVERYTHING you can here. Dont be afraid to hometest. Most vets dont suggest it. Its fairly easy and besides being easy to do, its extremely important to your cats health. If you are near a Walmart, go buy a Relion human meter, strips and lancets (start with 28g). They are pretty accurate and the strips are pretty cheap ($36 for 100). I am betting that is a misprint or something on the bottle. It is most likely 2units. Also once you start giving shots and testing, you need to setup a spreadsheet. The link is in my signature at the bottom of this message. Dont be nervous or stressed. It takes time to learn it all and there will be good days and bad days. We are all here to help and support you. Ask as many quesitons as you need. We all love questions here!
Hillary & Maui (GA)
Member Since 2009
did the vet sell you the insulin or did you get it at a human pharmacy?
I ask, because this is a human insulin and available at any human pharmacy and the average price for a vial is $100-125. If the vet sold it to you then he sold it at a marked up price and you paid more than necessary. he should have written you a prescription for it and then you get it and the syringes at the pharmacy - walmart, costco pretty price competitive.
Also this insulin comes in pen form and while the initial outlay for a box of 5 pens is about $200-250, however, the overall cost is actually less than the vial, because each pen when stored in fridge will last unopened through the expiration date. and as each pen contains less insulin than the vial, if it goes bad, you haven;t wasted an entire or partial vial of insulin. and it is possible that 5 pens could last you one year or longer.
just something else to be aware of.
i don't know if anyone asked yet, but where are you located - we may have members nearby who could provide in person help getting set up.
I ask, because this is a human insulin and available at any human pharmacy and the average price for a vial is $100-125. If the vet sold it to you then he sold it at a marked up price and you paid more than necessary. he should have written you a prescription for it and then you get it and the syringes at the pharmacy - walmart, costco pretty price competitive.
Also this insulin comes in pen form and while the initial outlay for a box of 5 pens is about $200-250, however, the overall cost is actually less than the vial, because each pen when stored in fridge will last unopened through the expiration date. and as each pen contains less insulin than the vial, if it goes bad, you haven;t wasted an entire or partial vial of insulin. and it is possible that 5 pens could last you one year or longer.
just something else to be aware of.
i don't know if anyone asked yet, but where are you located - we may have members nearby who could provide in person help getting set up.
Hillary & Maui (GA)
Member Since 2009
if you need it again, call around and price shop it. I found that costco or walmart seemed to be best priced. and ask the vet to write a scrip for 5 solostar pens. some pharmacies may allow you to purchase one pen at a time and that will help you spread the cost out.
also, check supply closet or go lantus website as all of 2012 they offered a $25 coupon. they may have a new promo for 2013 and offer it again.
i think we have peeps in illinois - so if you need help, let us know and we can do a search to see who may be near you.
also, check supply closet or go lantus website as all of 2012 they offered a $25 coupon. they may have a new promo for 2013 and offer it again.
i think we have peeps in illinois - so if you need help, let us know and we can do a search to see who may be near you.
Shelly/Boots
Member Since 2012
Welcome,,
Everything get's easier. Having this site is going to save your nerves and you kitty's life.
I've put together a few links that might help you regarding switching from dry to wet and BS testing.
The heat is key for the testing. I had a neck warmer at the time and began draping it on Boots neck and
ear. Along with the treats, I think she felt like it was a spa treatment. She now runs to the testing room
the bathroom. before me, for shots too. (good at first to have the same place to test and to be private)
Now I don't need the treats the pleasure of the heat is enough of a treat for her. :smile:
Regarding the food. The first link is a probiotic called FortiFlora. The flavor makes them crazy for the food.
I found out later from the vet that people use it to get their cats eating. Some yeast flakes on the food helps.
The next two are articles, one addressing how to switch and the other, the benefits.
For the testing: The two after that are instructions and a picture on BS. testing.
Hope it helps.
Everything get's easier. Having this site is going to save your nerves and you kitty's life.
I've put together a few links that might help you regarding switching from dry to wet and BS testing.
The heat is key for the testing. I had a neck warmer at the time and began draping it on Boots neck and
ear. Along with the treats, I think she felt like it was a spa treatment. She now runs to the testing room
the bathroom. before me, for shots too. (good at first to have the same place to test and to be private)
Now I don't need the treats the pleasure of the heat is enough of a treat for her. :smile:
Regarding the food. The first link is a probiotic called FortiFlora. The flavor makes them crazy for the food.
I found out later from the vet that people use it to get their cats eating. Some yeast flakes on the food helps.
The next two are articles, one addressing how to switch and the other, the benefits.
For the testing: The two after that are instructions and a picture on BS. testing.
Hope it helps.
MaryB & Chester
Member Since 2012
I get my Lantus at Walmart for $152. If you have one of those nearby, you could check there. I also got the Walmart brand ReLion Syringes for something like $12 for 100.
My vet said that the bottle can last for 3-4 months.
Read everything you can. There's a LOT of information on this site, and a lot of people doing exactly what you are about to do. Welcome ON!
My vet said that the bottle can last for 3-4 months.
Read everything you can. There's a LOT of information on this site, and a lot of people doing exactly what you are about to do. Welcome ON!
Shelly/Boots
Member Since 2012
I must have been very tired when I posted. I didn't include the links. :lol:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165 ... 02_s00_i01 (fortiFlora)
http://felinediabetes.com/diet.htm (Food Ino)
http://catinfo.org/docs/Tips%20for%20Tr ... -14-11.pdf (Food Info)
http://www.catinfo.org/docs/Food%20Char ... -22-12.pdf (wet food carb list)
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=86436&p=925576&hilit=testing+ear#p925576 (testing tips)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zE12-4fVn8 (ear)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_3TLtN8XYo (shot)
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18207 (spread sheet)
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/view ... =9&t=85113 (BS testing tips)
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1581 (lantus proticol
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165 ... 02_s00_i01 (fortiFlora)
http://felinediabetes.com/diet.htm (Food Ino)
http://catinfo.org/docs/Tips%20for%20Tr ... -14-11.pdf (Food Info)
http://www.catinfo.org/docs/Food%20Char ... -22-12.pdf (wet food carb list)
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=86436&p=925576&hilit=testing+ear#p925576 (testing tips)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zE12-4fVn8 (ear)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_3TLtN8XYo (shot)
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18207 (spread sheet)
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/view ... =9&t=85113 (BS testing tips)
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1581 (lantus proticol
milfordcollector
Member Since 2012
Welcome! I also found the Lantus fairly expensive but found a coupon on rxpharmacycoupons.com......coupon never expires. My cost for the 10ml vial in Pa. was 144.00 with the discount. I'm still a newbie(bought everything I needed today) & will start treating my Sabrina tomorrow am nailbite_smile Good luck & again welcome aboard! Cindy & sabrina :RAHCAT
squeem3
Member Since 2009
When you need to buy more insulin a few months or so down the orad, ask the vet to write you a prescription for the Lantus SoloStar pens instead of the 10 ml bottle. The pens are much more cost effective. Each pen contains 3 ml of insulin. It comes as a box of 5 pens which is at least a 5 month supply you will have on hand. A box costs around $225 or so but there are ways to keep the cost down, such as using a pet prescription card or buying the insulin from an online Canadian pharmacy. Some pharmacies may sell a single pen but it's up to the pharmacist's discretion.
You use insulin syringes with the SoloStar pen, just like you would with the bottle. Here is info: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=151 The pen itself only doses in whole units which is fine for a Human diabetic but not for cats who need teeny half and micro doses.
You use insulin syringes with the SoloStar pen, just like you would with the bottle. Here is info: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=151 The pen itself only doses in whole units which is fine for a Human diabetic but not for cats who need teeny half and micro doses.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Hello, I am just following up to see what your vet said about it being 2ml???
- Status