Newly diagnosed cat, lots of ups and down

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Thelonius, Nov 19, 2019.

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  1. Thelonius

    Thelonius Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2019
    Hi Everyone,

    My cat Thelonius ( 8 yo, neutered male) was diagnosed with diabetes on the 4th of November, following a loss of energy, weight loss and ravenous hunger. My vet put him on 2 units of Lantus twice a day, and I took him off all dry food to a diet of just canned food (Friskie's pate). He initially responded very well, but after about a week he was back to being ravenous (though he was drinking less).

    He went in to the vet office for a glucose curve yesterday. During the curve, they said his blood glucose curve dropped low probably 6-8 hours after I had administered the insulin. The vet recommended that I take him off insulin and see how he does for a few days so I did not give him any last night or this morning. I bought a ReliOn glucose meter and managed to get a reading myself this morning, and it seemed pretty high (431). Might it be smarter to continue a smaller dosage?

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2017
    Hi. 2 units is a high starting dose. A starting dose of 1 unit would probably have been more appropriate. With you making a change from dry food to low-carb wet food, that can cause their glucose to drop quite a bit. So doing that and giving such a high dose without ongoing monitoring is a risky combination! I'm glad you did not end up with a severe crisis.

    I love (<< sarcasm) how the vet goes from too high of a starting dose to let's try nothing. It was very smart of you to get a meter and start testing. Testing is so important in this process - I don't care what your vet may tell you. I see you have a spreadsheet already but did not see your first test result on it... don't forget to add it. :) If your cat's glucose is running in the 400s, he needs insulin. I would start with 1 unit every 12 hours, if you are willing and able to test before every shot. Also, it is important to do mid-cycle testing to see the impact of the insulin. You should not have to take your cat to the vet for curves, you will be able to do them yourself and save yourself money and your cat stress.

    I would like to suggest that you head over to the Lantus forum. That is the best place for you to get advice specific to the use of Lantus. They can help you get your baby on the right track!
     
    Sara and Mr. Kitty likes this.
  3. ohbell

    ohbell Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2011
    Hi Steve,
    Nice to see your spreadsheet up and going!
    Is there any way you could get a mid-test? About 6-7 hours after your shot?
     
    Bron and Sheba (GA) likes this.
  4. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2015
    @Thelonius
    I would definitely try and get a mid cycle test in during this cycle with a preshot of 197
     
    ohbell likes this.
  5. Thelonius

    Thelonius Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2019
    Just did a mid cycle test (5 hours out was the best I can do today), and got 261.
     
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