Diabetic? Hypoglycemia?

jajameson2010

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I have a 16-18 yr old kitty. I noticed her pee was smelling weird a couple days ago. A sweet odd smell? I called this morning to get a vet app for Saturday. Diabetes is my instant mental freak out go to.

Just got back from Walmart. Bought a glucose meter and supplies. Watched dozens of you tube videos and finally was able to get blood on my second attempt. Getting blood is much easier then pilling! I thought it would be a fiasco. 

Her glucose reading is 64 mg/dL. I found online that normal is 120-300 mg/dL. Do I need to be worrying or freaking out? I have zero clue about diabetes or blood sugar stuff.  Haven't had to learn anything about it yet. 

No other symptoms. No crazy increase in drinking, peeing, eating. She has had more of an appetite in the last few months, but nothing dramatic. 

Thanks for any insight!

ETA she is on Lysine for a chronic URI. Not sure if that could impact?
 
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ruthm

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Is your kitty on insulin at this point? If so, which one, what dose and when did you administer the shot? 

Congrats for home testing your kitty; it is the absolute best way to keep your diabetic kitty safe!  My girl Tiger was diabetic and we used Lantus for almost 2 years. I highly recommend you join the Feline Diabetes Membership Board,  http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/feline-health-the-main-forum.28/  if you haven't already done so. There are so many experienced caregivers with lots of experience with Feline Diabetes there 24-7 to offer support when needed. 
 
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jajameson2010

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I haven't dosed with any insulin. :( This is her natural glucose level, which has me even more worried. Except for the URI stuff, she's always been healthy and crazy.

All I can find online about the 68 number is incorrect insulin dosages for already diagnosed diabetic cats rcving insulin.

Can I wait for Saturday? Or do I need to go to the ER vet tonight? 

Thanks for that forum! I'll go post there next!
 
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jajameson2010

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Seriously cannot thank you enough! I'm in a bit of a controlled panic. This little one has been with me a long time at this point. :(
 

ruthm

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Okay, take a deep breath---then another!! For a non-diabetic cat not on insulin, 68 is a normal number!

Glad you are going to sign up at the Feline Diabetes Membership Board, and the great thing is  you are never alone, it is world wide.
 
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jajameson2010

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Really??????? 68 is normal??? Stupid google! Calming down now.... Now to just figure out the weird pee smell. Possible UTI? Easy peasy! 

Thank you :) Now I look like a crazy whack job on the other forum too! 
 

ruthm

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Is the cat eating normally and drinking water?  No, you will never ever look like a crazy cat person on the FDMB or here!!!  We are all concerned cat people.  The reason vets might tell you that is abnormal is because most ordinary pet owners don't do home testing, in that case a reading of 68 on a human meter could quickly become eye opening if it is still dropping.

My BG has been in the 60's and 70's and I'm not diabetic.. If your cat were on insulin, then you want to keep checking to make sure it does not go any lower.  Most of us with diabetic cats on Lantus keep Karo syrup and high carb food for just those occasions. That is why it is critical to test at home if you are giving insulin.

If your cat isn't peeing normally though, that is a reason to get the vet involved.  Is he squatting repeatedly and nothing is happening? Or could he be trying to poop and is constipated? 
 

cinqchats

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WHOA slow down here. Just go to the vet and have a urinalysis done. If your cat has diabetes you'd also see a big upswing in her water consumption and urination (in one end, out the other). Either way, you'd have to go to the vet anyways. 
 
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jajameson2010

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Eating, Peeing, Pooping normal. The pee has a pungent odd sweet smell to it. Def not smelling like normal cat pee. Still have a vet trip on Saturday. Could it be kidney issues? UTI? She's a female I think males are more prone to kidney issues?
 
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jajameson2010

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Thanks
 
WHOA slow down here. Just go to the vet and have a urinalysis done. If your cat has diabetes you'd also see a big upswing in her water consumption and urination (in one end, out the other). Either way, you'd have to go to the vet anyways. 
Thanks! We already have an app, but if the 64 # was critical was going to get her to the ER vet tonight.  Panic stopped :) 
 

LTS3

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Normal blood glucose levels in a cat are roughly 60 to 150 mg / dl.

Snce your cat has not been officially diagnosed by a vet with diabetes and therefore NOT on insulin, the 64 mg / dl you got from blood glucose testing is a nice NORMAL healthy number
There is absolutely no concern about hypoglycemia.

Diabetic cat urine smells sugary and there will be lots of huge clumps of sticky pee in the litter box. Appetite and water drinking may be increased and some cats also lose weight despite eating a lot.

Since you're taking the cat to the vet soon, make sure the vet does blood work. Senior cats tend to have various health issues that may becaught early with blood work. The fructosamine is the test for diabetes. You may also want the vet to include tests for kidney disease and hyperthyroid.
 
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