Hi everyone! I've been searching the thread archives for information on feline diabetes, and I have been getting some great information. I decided to go ahead and create my own thread just to have some more specific questions answered and also so that I can get to know other forum members and they can get to know me.
In February, my 9 year old female calico Snickers was diagnosed with diabetes. At the point of diagnosis, her blood sugar levels were around 200-250. Since we began insulin (initially 1 unit twice a day, worked up to 3 units twice a day), her coat is shiny and soft, she's playful again, and the thirst is gone. However, the real issue we have to deal with now is the trouble we are having with getting an accurate blood sugar level. I don't want to just assume things are "fine" based off her behavior--I'd imagine that's only part of the picture.
Snickers is no stranger to the vet. 2009 we struggled with food allergies. 2010 we struggled with weight. Because of Snickers' "extensive" experience with vets, she has a VERY high anxiety level while she's there. She gets hyper aggressive, won't let anyone near her, they can't even keep her in a kennel because she FLIPS out. She has to stay in an exam room all day while they do this test to monitor her blood sugar every hour.
Yesterday, her blood sugar was in the 400s, and the vet believes that it was so high because of her "extreme" anxiety. I don't know that anything else would make sense -- why else would her blood sugar double AFTER being on insulin for a month? I feel like subjecting her to the vet's testing every 2 weeks just undoes any progress we are making by causing her so much stress. She isn't elderly, but I worry SO much about the effects that kind of stress could have on her. She's practically frothing at the mouth by the time I come pick her up.
I know humans have test strips, is there something out there like cats? If so, where would I obtain one, and how would they work?
Additionally, Snick is on Science Diet W/D to help her get that extra pound off. She gets 1 cup total a day, so we break it down into 1/3 cup servings 3 times a day. You would think we were starving her. She hollers and begs at the pantry door for more food and has even starting trying to steal food out of our hands while we eat -- something she's never done, because she's never been given people food. Is this normal? Is it attributed to "feeling better" from the insulin and having a better appetite? Does anyone have any different dietary suggestions? She's OBSESSED with food.
Any general observations or suggestions from other "parents" of diabetic cats? Sorry for the novel -- I want to do whatever it takes to make sure she has the maximum quality of life we can give her.
In February, my 9 year old female calico Snickers was diagnosed with diabetes. At the point of diagnosis, her blood sugar levels were around 200-250. Since we began insulin (initially 1 unit twice a day, worked up to 3 units twice a day), her coat is shiny and soft, she's playful again, and the thirst is gone. However, the real issue we have to deal with now is the trouble we are having with getting an accurate blood sugar level. I don't want to just assume things are "fine" based off her behavior--I'd imagine that's only part of the picture.
Snickers is no stranger to the vet. 2009 we struggled with food allergies. 2010 we struggled with weight. Because of Snickers' "extensive" experience with vets, she has a VERY high anxiety level while she's there. She gets hyper aggressive, won't let anyone near her, they can't even keep her in a kennel because she FLIPS out. She has to stay in an exam room all day while they do this test to monitor her blood sugar every hour.
Yesterday, her blood sugar was in the 400s, and the vet believes that it was so high because of her "extreme" anxiety. I don't know that anything else would make sense -- why else would her blood sugar double AFTER being on insulin for a month? I feel like subjecting her to the vet's testing every 2 weeks just undoes any progress we are making by causing her so much stress. She isn't elderly, but I worry SO much about the effects that kind of stress could have on her. She's practically frothing at the mouth by the time I come pick her up.
I know humans have test strips, is there something out there like cats? If so, where would I obtain one, and how would they work?
Additionally, Snick is on Science Diet W/D to help her get that extra pound off. She gets 1 cup total a day, so we break it down into 1/3 cup servings 3 times a day. You would think we were starving her. She hollers and begs at the pantry door for more food and has even starting trying to steal food out of our hands while we eat -- something she's never done, because she's never been given people food. Is this normal? Is it attributed to "feeling better" from the insulin and having a better appetite? Does anyone have any different dietary suggestions? She's OBSESSED with food.
Any general observations or suggestions from other "parents" of diabetic cats? Sorry for the novel -- I want to do whatever it takes to make sure she has the maximum quality of life we can give her.