To Edie Zumwalt - About Dodie - your post is here

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Hillary & Maui (GA), Jun 30, 2013.

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  1. Hillary & Maui (GA)

    Hillary & Maui (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    You can purchase human diabetic supplies from any drugstore as well as discount store.

    Many people go to Walmart to buy supplies as they are the cheapest in price.

    What you need to get started:

    - human blood glucose (BG) meter - at walmart you can get the Relion Brand meter - there are several types the Confirm is good
    - strips that go with the meter - you need to make sure that you have strips that are made for the meter you purchase -
    - lancets - you can either get the lancets that go with the lancet device as part of the meter kit or if you want to free hand the lancets, then buy of box of any lancets that you like. The key with lancets when starting out is to get 28 or 29 gauge lancets. The lower the gauge number the thicker the needle. When starting out you may want 28 or 29 rather than 30 or 31 which are very thin.

    The thicker lancet will help teach ears to bleed.

    Box of ketostix - this is used to test urine for ketones. You need to test for ketones at least once a week if not more often to avoid DKA issues which can lead to hospitalization.

    Insulin if you are given a prescription for Lantus or Levimer you can buy this at a human pharmacy

    Would you like to share more information about your cat with you.
    When diagnosed?
    What insulin prescribed?
    What dose prescribed?
    What food are you using?
    Where are you located - city/state/country is sufficient - we may have members nearby who can help in person.
     
  2. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2010
    We strongly encourage blood glucose testing for the safety of your cat. We suggest new insulin users not give insulin if the glucose level is below 200 mg/dL on a human glucometer. As you obtain data showing your cat's response to insulin, that no shot limit may be gradually reduced. Also, you are looking for a dose that does not lower the glucose below 50 mg/dL on a human glucometer.

    Additionally, urine or blood ketone testing, will identify if there are high levels of ketones, a by-product of fat breakdown for calories. Too many ketones may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially fatal, expensive to treat, complication of diabetes.

    My signature link Secondary Monitoring Tips has suggestions for urine collection and some other assessments you may wish to track such as hunger, thirst, elimination, and behavior.
     
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