Vet said "give it some time" I've been testing.

Status
Not open for further replies.
bbwyo

bbwyo

Member Since 2017
The vet said my Kitty was borderline diabetic. The long term glucose test came back at 320 and we haven't started insulin? that was the first week of April. I have been trying to change her diet from all dry to wet and I think it's going well. My question is I don't understand how to read her behavior. The ravenous appetite, increased drinking and peeing I understand. What I don't understand is how her behavior related to her glucose levels?
I know with exercise she is much calmer and seems to drink less water etc etc. Yesterday I started testing her glucose levels. An hour after she ate her level was 278 today before she ate it was 307.

I know I'm babbling but I don't know how to sort it all out. How long do I wait for a diagnosis and to start treatment if necessary? If she's getting the same food everyday why does the glucose level fluctuate so much?

Appreciate any info and please let me know if I've posted this in the right place and right way. I am not familiar with these forums. Thank you.
 
A cat with high glucose can not metabolize food properly. Their body is pulling nutrients from what is stored in muscle and fat. That is why the weight loss and muscle mass loss. The body is starving and pulling all it can from itself. Increased urine is because of the insatiable thirst, again caused by high glucose. The sooner you start insulin the better chance of remission and less damage done to other organs.

If you have not started insulin yet. Remove all dry. Fancy Feast classic pate wet is a low carb food. That is what you need low carb under 10%. No need for prescription food as it's way to high in carbs. Regardless what a vet states.

If giving insulin DO NOT remove dry food unless you are home testing.
 
Woodsywife said:
A cat with high glucose can not metabolize food properly. Their body is pulling nutrients from what is stored in muscle and fat. That is why the weight loss and muscle mass loss. The body is starving and pulling all it can from itself. Increased urine is because of the insatiable thirst, again caused by high glucose. The sooner you start insulin the better chance of remission and less damage done to other organs.

If you have not started insulin yet. Remove all dry. Fancy Feast classic pate wet is a low carb food. That is what you need low carb under 10%. No need for prescription food as it's way to high in carbs. Regardless what a vet states.

If giving insulin DO NOT remove dry food unless you are home testing.
Click to expand...


Have been transitioning to all wet. Had to slow down a little because of bouts of D but progressing well. I'm learning how to home test so I can see if numbers are coming down. Tonight it was a fiasco when I tried to test before her meal. Had 340 GB after a big go round. This is a lot higher than it was at noon (307).
 
Make sure you do something positive after each attempt of taking BG reading, even if it's unsuccessful so she can associate it with something positive. Low carb treat, playing, grooming, anything that she really likes! :bighug:
When doing a test before a meal, make sure she has not eaten for 2 hours prior so the number is not food influenced ;)
Lastly, try to stay calm and she can pick up on your emotions :)
 
bbwyo said:
Have been transitioning to all wet. Had to slow down a little because of bouts of D but progressing well. I'm learning how to home test so I can see if numbers are coming down. Tonight it was a fiasco when I tried to test before her meal. Had 340 GB after a big go round. This is a lot higher than it was at noon (307).
Click to expand...
With a 20% meter variance those numbers are not really much different.

It's time to start insulin. Talk to your vet.
 
Yong said:
Make sure you do something positive after each attempt of taking BG reading, even if it's unsuccessful so she can associate it with something positive. Low carb treat, playing, grooming, anything that she really likes! :bighug:
When doing a test before a meal, make sure she has not eaten for 2 hours prior so the number is not food influenced ;)
Lastly, try to stay calm and she can pick up on your emotions :)
Click to expand...
Tried treats but she's still very mad at me..3 hrs. on. Will get better I'm sure. Thank you for your response.
 
JanetNJ said:
With a 20% meter variance those numbers are not really much different.

It's time to start insulin. Talk to your vet.
Click to expand...
First thing Monday morning. When we talked before she said because GB varies so much the 3 week test is a better average. She also said she was concerned with the 270-90 readings that we would have to watch insulin shots very closely to be sure not to create a hypo situation. Again thank you everyone for your comments.
 
Have you seen this video about home testing? The uncooked-rice sock is key! :) A warm ear bleeds much easier than a cold ear. And the faster the test is over, the happier the kitty! Please ask as many questions as you have. There are lots of very kind, wise, and experienced people here who can help you through all of this!

@Sieden's video

 
YES to the warm rice sock!

We just started testing. The first couple of days I did it without the warmth. It has made a big difference!!! Now when I put the sock in the microwave my kitty comes running and jumps on the chair to get tested (which to her is associated with all the warmth, petting, and a yummy bite of plain roasted chicken afterwards).

Someone else gave me the tip of a long handled spoon under her while she uses the litter box to test her urine for ketos. I thought, there is no way that will work. It worked! No issue whatsoever, so easy both times I've done it. So many helpful folks here!
 
Susan G said:
You're video was my a-ha moment and got me through our first test. 4 weeks in and testing a whole lot trying to figure out TR. Thank you so much!!
Click to expand...
You're very welcome. I had put off making that video for a year, I'm glad that I finally did it. Congrats on finally getting some testing done as well :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top