What Is/Arethe Best U-40 Insulin Syringe

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

Jalx

Member Since 2019
Hi -

I am so thankful to have found this forum! My kitty Chloe has been diagnosed with diabetes. I am starting with Purina DM dry food (will be transitioning to that with wet food) and Vesulin insulin with the U-40 Insulin Syringe.

My question is: What syringe brands are the best to buy? I need them to have an easy removable needle cap and would like the needles to be comfortable to minimize the pain for my kitty.

I have done some searching and it seems like UltiCare and VetOne are good ones. Ulticare are less expensive, but I want to make sure they are as good as the VetOne, otherwise I will pay the extra and buy VetOne.

Can anyone help me know if these two brands are the best, and if they are of the same quality? Or are there other brands that are better? Hoping to not pay more than $25 for a 100 box with shipping, but would like to pay less if I can. Because as we all know having a diabetic kitty is not cheap (and I have 3 other kitties as well that I love and care for).

Thank you for your help! Hope the day has you all smiling :cat:
 
Hi. Welcome! Questions should really be posted on the main health forum rather than here in the welcome forum (they will get a lot more exposure there).

Make sure you get syringes with 1/2 unit markings. Not sure if you know about ADWDiabetes.com, but it is a good place for getting syringes. As far as which brand is 'best', that is usually a matter of personal preference. I have used both of the brands you mentioned, and both were fine. Here are the UltiCare ones I used: https://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/18553/ulticare-u40-pet-29g-3-10cc-1-2in-half-unit. They are currently $15.50 for 100. You can always find a coupon code for ADWDiabetes (just Google), so they would be even less.
 
Have you been to catinfo.org yet? You can find a lot of info about feline nutrition including the reasons dry food is not a good idea. Purina DM dry food is too high in carbs, and carbs have a direct impact on your cat's glucose levels. If you could get your cat on wet food instead, it would be so much better for her. You do not have to use 'prescription' foods either (probably some cost savings for you there!). There are plenty of other options that are as good or better. Dr Pierson, the vet behind catinfo.org, created a food list that is helpful in finding foods to try. I have a link in my signature to the cat food database version where you can filter by the desired criteria. She recommends "start with protein minimum of 40, fat maximum of 50, carb max of 10, and for cats with kidney issues....phos less than 300." Most of us aim for carbs considerably lower than the 10% max mentioned. I would say try to stay 5% or less, if you can.

Because of the direct impact carbs have on glucose, you have to be careful about food changes while a cat is on insulin. A change from high carb to low carb food can cause a significant drop in glucose, so you want to be careful. Do you plan on home testing? As you will see mentioned here often, it is very important. Glucose levels are ever-changing. Testing allows you to know it is safe to give an insulin dose, and lets you see the impact of the dose so that dosing adjustment decisions can be made based on the data. This also means you would not have to make regular vet visits to have them do testing (more savings!).

There is a lot to learn when you are just starting. Try not to be overwhelmed, just read as much as you can on this site an ask any questions you have on the main health forum. There are a lot of people here with a lot of experience 'living' feline diabetes, so you have come to the right place for advice and support. :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top