How To Test Your Diabetic Cat's Blood Sugar At Home

[Shaleian]

thanks so much for producing this video. Cinder is 13 years old and just diagnosed as diabetic. Today we tested his blood sugar twice at home and it was an real ordeal. After watching your video and recommendations, our next test should be easier for us both and the cat. Best regards and sorry for your loss of Buddy.

[ppitstop38]

I'm sorry that you lost Buddy. I have a 5 yr old male recently diagnosed, and I'm heartbroken because he was healthy as an ox just wks before. I'm hoping I can reverse the disease with strict monitoring and strict diet. The vet gave us Lantus insulin, which sounds like a good insulin, though I've read about something called PZI as well. Thanks for the video. I'm about to test him for the first time with a hand-me-down OneTouch, so I'm nervous! R.I.P. Buddy.

[Kitschkat]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Thank you for preparing such a helpful video. My cat is on his last days, but I'm still trying to help him be comfortable and one of the things I can do is help his blood sugar levels, but I'm not good at testing him.

I will definitely send folks your way and I already help FDMB kitties with my rescue group in CT.

[MsIllusionista]

<3 Buddy

[EGX500]

RIP Buddy..so sad...: (

[ajhpetlover]

I just was sending the video to my sister her cat was just diagnosed 5 days ago, and read about Buddy. My deepest sympathy and may you find comfort in knowing Buddy is still doing his work helping countless other kitties. His spirit of course lives on forever and always.

[crinnyann]

I just heard about Buddy, I'm so sorry :(

This video was such a help to me when my cat was first diagnosed. RIP Buddy, you were a good boy.

[AAWLVolunteer]

Oh, I'm so very sorry for Buddy's passing. :( He's helped a LOT of people though! (((HUGS))) to Buddy's family.

[lukesmama]

Fly free, sweet Buddy. You have helped countless beans and kitties around the world, and you leave a magnificent legacy. I am so very sorry for your loss; the greatness of your grief is a reflection of the enormity of your love for him.

[Monoxylon]

Thank you for this video. It has helped me and my cat tremendously!

I'm sorry to hear of Buddy's passing, but I'm confident you gave him a great life :)

cheers

[MicheleBCain]

Thank you Mark for sharing your wonderful Buddy with us. I was quite overwhelmed by our Remy's diabetes diagnosis, however, the calmness of you and your kitty have given me courage - and I have just scouted the Contour monitor for purchase.

Our Remington is blessed by Buddy's gifts and we are grateful to you both. Condolences and best wishes.

[mauiguppy]

RIP Buddy. You're an inspiration to us all.

[anlaactor]

Rest in Peace Buddy. Buddy's legacy will live on in this video Mark! I am thankful the FDMB linked me to your video. It is because you and Buddy that Stella is on a path to healing. Buddy has served life better than some humans. But it was you, her person who knew it could be done. Thank you. Thank you so very much for giving us the gift of your and Buddy's video.

[markNtime]

BUDDY UPDATE: July 2011. Friends, I am sorry to inform you that Buddy, the cat featured in the video, died on July 13, 2011, after a six and a half year run as a diabetic cat. He was fourteen years old. Buddy had been experiencing complications and weight loss from Pancreatic Insufficiency (Maldigestion Disorder). He died peacefully in my arms. If you'd like to honor Buddy's work as a diabetes educator, please make a donation to felinediabetes . com.

[susichie]

@markNtime

I am so sorry that Buddy left you. He and you did such an awesome thing with this video! Thank you!

Fly free, Buddy!

[Maugirl2]

@markNtime So very sorry to hear about Buddy. I have watched this video quite a few times as one of my cats has recently been diagnosed diabetic, and i have always been amazed at what a good cat Buddy was - my cat will not sit still for anything like this, currently. It's good to know that he died in your arms, although difficult for you, it would have been the most comforting thing for him. My sincere condolences on your loss and thank you for all the help you have given to us watching this.

[chupie]

@markNtime Oh I am so very very very sorry to hear this!!!!!! Buddy's video has helped SO many kitties. Indeed, I just gave the link to a new diabetic parent and found your note. I'm so sad that he developed this trouble. My heart goes out to you.

[mpreddig10]

@markNtime I am so sorry to learn of Buddy's death. He surely looked like a wonderful pet and it was surely appropriate that he died peacefully in your arms. Your video was very helpful to me when I started testing my cat. Frasier has been off of insulin for 3 weeks after switching him to zero carb canned food and TR with ProZinc according to your diabetic cat protocol. I continue to test him once a day.

[SamIam699]

@markNtime Hi markNtime,I'm sorry about buddy,your cat who must've been very important to you. I know the complications of diabetes because I have juvenile diabetes as well. Again,I'm very sorry for what happened to him,he must've been a great cat.

[AlphaG33k1]

@markNtime Thank you so much for the video, it is GREAT!  I'm very sorry to hear that Buddy has passed. You and Buddy are still helping countless kitties and their parents by having this video out here.

[markNtime]

Yes, warming the ear before testing the blood can be very helpful when trying to obtain a blood sample. Using a wet, warm washcloth in a ziptop bag, as you did, or using with a sock filled with microwaved rice both get the job done. As you mentioned, it's important to make sure that the warming mechanism isn't too hot. Testing on your cheek is a great idea. Excellent work, anlaactor!

[anlaactor]

Forgive me the additional post, but I wanted to let you know I was able to get a small droplet of blood after heating a wet wash cloth for 30 seconds and putting it in a ziplock bag. :) I tested the warmth against my cheek until it cooled to an acceptable temp to put against Stella's ear. Her BG was originally 535 when diagnosed on 6/27. Today her pre-meal/Lantus shot was 396 when the alarm on my Contour monitor went off at 9:20 for the post meal/Lantus shot it was 223! Tomorrow our first Curve.

[anlaactor]

Thanks Mark. :) I just noticed your response to me today. Ironically I bought the Bayer Contour Meter after finding out that yours was discontinued. :) I have yet to draw enough blood from Stella's ear and may try her large foot pad. I forgot to try the warm rice in a sock until I re-watched your video today. I will give that a try this afternoon. Thanks again! :)

[chupie]

Wow, you have improved the video since I last saw it years ago. It pretty much taught me how to test Pearl. We are also closing on year 5 of diabetes. Glad to hear Buddy is well. Panc stuff sucks. Pearl certainly has bouts of difficulty. But she keeps on a ticking.

[markNtime]

Nice work! The meter I used in the video is no longer being manufactured. I have moved onto a Contour meter by Bayer. It requires a very tiny speck of blood for a reading and you get a number in about 3 seconds. That said, I'd look for any standard human glucometer for which you can get the best deal possible on test strips. Those test strips can be expensive. Look at the price of the strips rather than the meter. And again, great work with Stella! You are awesome!

[anlaactor]

Hey MarK! I wanted to thank you for this video. I took my kitty Stella in to the vet on June 24th, 2011 and her test results came back on June 27th and she was diagnosed with Diabetes. My kitty has the easy-going temperament of your Buddy, so I knew it would be possible to test her on my own. It has taken two weeks to convince my vet that I can do it...but I got the call yesterday with my vet saying I can give it a shot as long as I keep her in the loop. Do you suggest the meter you are using?

[SolitaryCyclist]

Thank you so very much for making this video. My cat was diagnosed diabetic less than a week ago and just had her first hypoglycemic episode. It was one of the most terrifying things I've ever dealt with, but I managed to get her out of it first with some honey and then getting her to eat. I don't ever want to repeat the experience, so I'm talking to my vet first thing tomorrow about hometesting. This video actually gave me the confidence that I'll be able to do this.

[DeanaL]

What a wonderfully informative video! I had no idea how to get blood from my cat in order to test him until I saw this. Thank you so much!

[razorisland]

BEST FELINE INSULIN TESTING VIDEO ON YOUTUBE !! I have a cat care business but never a diabetic cat. So, all this scary testing and giving insulin shots was new to me. This video is very precise and demonstrates exactly how the lancet should be used. I had tried the lancet injector with awful results. Poor kitty. Lancet poking was indeed difficult. Did not know about the "sweet spot" .. great info !!! Thank you very much.

[OrioleLounge]

Thanks for this. My cat's just recently been diagnosed with feline diabetes. The thing I dread most is doing those tests, so this video is very helpful.

[markNtime]

BUDDY UPDATE: April 2011. Hello, friends. Buddy survived a recent death scare with what turned out to be Pancreatic Insufficiency (Maldigestion Disorder). It's hard to diagnose and for a long time was erroneously thought to be Irritable Bowel Disease. The good news is that Buddy is now on digestive enzymes (PanaKare) which allow him to process his food. He is pushing 14 years old, 6 years diabetic, and going strong. I still test his blood sugar twice each day!

[jenzia2]

@markNtime

A lot of diabetic cats seem to have some type of additional pancreatic issues. My cat was diabetic from late 2006 but went into remission in spring 2010 (yay, some long term diabetic cats do go into remission!). He was diagnosed with pancreatitis last fall. He has had 2 flare-ups, but is doing well when not having a flare-up. A lot of diabetic cats on FD websites have pancreatitis ~ but I've heard EPI is less common. We've always appreciated your video to help promote home-testing!

[razorisland]

I have a cat care job with 6 kitties (yikes!) and all have diabetes and need testing. This is the BEST video to date on how to properly test kitty's blood. I especially like the repeat close-ups and that he staunches the blood with gauze .. he made a point of that. What a gentle hand he has and this will help me in my duties this coming month. I sure hated the thought of pricking their ears and hurting them even a tiny little bit. THANK YOU !!!

[mauiguppy]

You made it look so easy and Buddy is so calm! Unfortunately I had a really hard time. The first time my cat flinched and there was blood everywhere.The second and third time I missed the sweet spot. The fourth time there wasn't enough blood. Fifth time the meter erred out. By the 8th try, the cat was cranky from being a pin cushion and too stuffed with treats. I think a lance pen would be better.

[woodenthomas]

I would have gladdly dome this for my cat. They told me how many units of insulin to give him and I gave it. It was usualy 4 .5 units. He was diagnosed in 06 and died on Valentines day 2011 of liver failure. He went into diabetic siecure that night. I wish I knew about this. This opption was neve offered to me.

[Zompac]

@woodenthomas What a day for a cat to die :( What kind of luck is that???

[chupie]

@woodenthomas I am so sorry :( Many vets just do not know, or are afraid to endorse that you can test your cat.

[Yoliechula]

Hi. Great video! Thanks :) Are you feeding him pure protein/ cAtkins yet- this can all but eliminate the need for insulin in many cat, I hear.

[medini2]

i am 55yo & had a run in w/ high blood sugar after my mom died. my fasting bld sugar was 130 & if i took a bite of an apple my head would start spinning. i felt horrible. i went on a quest to find out how to cure diabetes. i found eating at least 80% raw green veggies helped, but, when i added nopale cactus to my diet, my diabetes was cured. fasting bld sugar now in 80's. so, my question is why not feed a cat mostly raw and find some way to slip in some nopale cactus?

[loara71]

thank you for this. My cat is very old 17. I just found out he is diabetic. Your video makes it seem possible I will be able to do this, help my kitty still live on. He is healthy and all but just old and now as a diabetic.

[pamp47]

Very helpful video. Thanks.

[2902hawthorne]

Buddy is a good cat! I am faced with doing this now (my guy has been diabetic for several years) and he will sit still for it, I'm sure.

[janeccameron]

thanks so much!

[stormygirl2009]

Hi there! I have a cat Elly that is 12yrs old and was just diagnosed. Any tips? Your video does help alot. I didnt even know I could test my cats sugar myself.... Do you give buddy the same dosage all the time.

[Ishhkabibble]

is there any way u can do it without hurting buddie?

[clevii]

For people who are going to start this - good for you! it is the best way to get your cat's blood glucose regulated so they feel good. Of course, it might take a while to get your cat to be as calm as Buddy ! We first got our cat used to the equipment & process with ' dry runs' where we went through all the motions but without actually poking him and gave little ( no-carb) dried salmon treats as a reward. We still always give him a treat for jumping up for his test and a treat after it.

[susanbunch1980]

Very impressive! This is exactly the answer I was looking for, you should upload your video to this site, Ewisdomtv

[trudocm]

Thank you SO much! Mimi was diagnosed 2 days ago; you would think it would be easy for me since I have been type 1 close to 50 years! but my vet did not tell me I could test her ,and I have been going crazy over whether she might have lows while I am at work This will help a lot. You've done a really great thing here. (BTW, since I have been on an insulin pump for 20 years, I hav e to re-establish a more routine schedule, for her.)

[dropouts]

too much trouble

just get a new cat

[Hcontos]

Thanks for posting this. We can't afford the weekly vet visits to have our kitty's blood sugar tested! So they gave us urine strips. My poor kitty has been isolated all day, in hopes of catching a urine sample!!! I think we will invest in a glucometer!

[celiacchik]

Thank you my daughter is diabetic and I would of never thought about taking out the lancet the snap of the pricker would probably cause the cat to jump!

[robertcruickshank]

Great video- your cat is a bit more patient than mine. :)

As another commenter mentioned, I use a bit of vaseline on her ear to help the blood bead nicely.

[stlbilliken2001]

Thank you for posting this video. Our 15 year old male Congo was just diagnosed with diabetes and we're starting the at home glucose testing tonight. This video gives me a little more confidence - we'll see how it goes! ;)

[dulciefw]

Great video - thanks!

[ladyofshalott]

This video is great. :) I'll be getting a One Touch Ultra Meter hopefully sometime next weekend. So this video is really helpful. I'm glad Buddy is doing well!

[bohemianbee1]

Thank you so much for this video!

My diabetic cat has been on insulin for over a year but I had not learned to test till this week and this video really helped...I was able to finally prick the correct area and get a large enough blood sample...no more pincushin ears for Lil' Roo...I and her thank you!

[XXX2819]

What an awesome cat, my cat looks just like him. Great vid by the way, I watched it many times before our cat's official diagnosis. Hows Buddy doing? Is he off the juice yet?

[bradphillips3180]

I would highly recommend getting a feline specific glucometer for accuracy. They are available online at places like 800petmeds.

[CeruleanSunFlower]

Thank you for posting this. My cat was just diagnosed and I will be starting treatment in the morning. I picked up her insulin today, and the pharmacist smirked a little, but when I asked for a glucose meter, she actually laughed. She had never been asked for one for a cat. My feelings were really hurt, but seeing the videos and all the comments reassured me that lots of people successfully test their cats and that my pharmacist is just really ignorant and insensitive.

[warknit]

cats can get diabetes wow you lern something everyday

[Tinkertini3]

Thanks for this video! My kitty was just diagnosed with diabetes and we need to learn how to home test. I'm going to bookmark your video for future help!

[maltyri]

Thank so much. I have tried to do this for several days with only limited results. Your video will really help me tomorrow ! Thanks again

[Leahruth]

Thank you so much! I have to test my cat for the first time today and this really reassured me on what to do.

[markNtime]

thanks db! Buddy is doing fine! He was diagnosed almost 5 years ago - Feb 2005! He's been on a small dose Lantus insulin twice daily for the past couple of years. He roams the garden, catches field mice and demands lap time. Buddy is proof that feline diabetes is a treatable, livable condition for cats. You can do this!

[xAcousticAngelx]

@markNtime easy testin for you my friend.. you haven't met my cat lucy. She wont let me do that even if i had magic powers lol

[DJRYANROUSSEAU]

thank you very much for your post. This is very helpful for people not used to this procedure....

[JerseyTomato428]

Excellent video Mark. My cat Alex was diagnosed with diabetes last week and everyone has told me to 'TEST AT HOME'. I was so proud of myself yesterday when I finally thought I mastered the insulin shots. I tried to get a blood sample from Alex's ear tonight and ...well. No Luck at all. I think this is the video I've been looking for!

Thanks :)

[scir91]

great video. cute cat! xD

[mosszaphod]

My cat was diagnosed today with diabetes. Vet said start him on 3cc 2x a day. My question is when testing with a meter how do you take the reading and translate that into increasing or decreasing the insulin? What is the scale? Example: 330 reading could be 3cc 2x a day. Make sense?

[nasalflute]

Different scale pending on cat's prob.

If it's still up that high then an increase 'til it's between 70 and 140.

Maybe another cc but keep checking until it's leveled and your average will be known.

Fluctuates from quality to age of the insulin also.

[margeryred]

Hey, my cat won't sit still... any tips? Also my cat's veins are not on the rim... I actually have to stick in a little... it is hard to do if the cat isn't just sitting there docile...

[markNtime]

Marg - If possible, try administering the tests when your cat is drowsy or just waking. Do it when they're sitting on a bed, sofa, chair rather than your lap, if that helps... Build in a reward component to the test ritual - a morsel of meat, teaspoon of yogurt, catnip, etc - something your cat will come to favorably associate with the tests... It gets much easier with practice (for you) and familiarity (for the cat).

[dbohls]

Mark, I found this video when my cat was fist DX. Then, I thought I saw you on felinediabetes again and you were considering lev or lantus. Can't find you now for some reason. Are things going alright for buddy?

[kmkory]

Mark...excellent video! Please consider producing more 'how-to' videos, i.e. administering injections, etc. This was way more helpful than all other vids I've watched, including Cornell University vids on feline diabetes. Thank you so much.

[OfficerGurl]

This is a great video! Thanks! My cat has diabetes too... I didn't know it was as common as it is...

[justmissjulie]

My diabetic cat, Buster (who looks like the cat in the video), has been receiving insulin for over four years. Thanks ONLY to testing! I wasn't able to test the ear, but I prick the large pad on his back feet. Doesn't bother him a bit. Cats are unpredictable when it comes to regulation, so testing WILL save their lives.

[caroleb99]

Catch-22 with cat food: Low carb for diabetes, yet for his renal disease, vet said low protein diet was best. Any suggestions?

Thanks! ~Carole

[caroleb99]

Our 16 y/o Babycat was diagnosed yesterday with feline diabetes and we are now giving him insulin until the vet can test his dosage levels on Monday. Babycat's blood sugar level was 500 POINTS OVER NORMAL. Is this an uncommonly high level? Should I be scared? I am also looking for the right cat food for him - we were appalled when we checked the labels of the so-called healthy dry food he's eaten all these years. Mark, Thanks for this video. We'll do this! ~Carole

[patacattoday]

My cat has just been diagnosed with diabetes, my brother is diabetic and has a monitor and lancets.  I have been worried about my cats (Miffys) BSL as she is hungry all the time, I have a feeling that she my be too high. Thanks for the demo as I will check her level tomorrow.

[iwannaspamplz]

Hahahahaha THIS IS AWESOME man keep up this awesome vids..

Good luck little kitty! you are lucky

[Marneycakes]

Mark, thanks so much for demonstrating the home testing procedure. My 6-year-old cat, Stripes, was just diagnosed diabetic 3 weeks ago. Thankfully, my vet is supportive of me monitoring him at home, as well as initiating a raw chicken diet for Stripes. I figure, if my aunt could get off insulin bu losing weight, eating right, and exercising, Stripes has a shot at it if I get him off all the carby kibble, and feed him what nature intended him to eat.  The vet agrees that it may just work.

[Kyfried1960]

My cat, Lucy, was just diagnosed as a diabetic. She is on Porcine insulin 2units qam & pm. Her reading last Saturday was 439! My vet does not believe in aggressive regulation. We are so worried.

After watching your video - I think I have the confidence to try it myself. Lucy gets so stressed out going to the vet.

Thank you for shedding light on a subject that is so foreign to most of us.

[markNtime]

Hey everyone, it was 4 years ago this month that the cat featured in the video, Buddy, was diagnosed diabetic. He is a very happy, healthy diabetic cat! When he's not hunting field mice, plotting to steal his companion cat's dinner, or positiioning himself on my desk so that I can't work, he gets his one unit of Lantus insulin twice per day after his blood tests. He throws us an occasional hypo which is why hometesting is so very important. Best regards, Buddy & Mark

[dbohls]

Do you test Buddy's BG before every shot? And he still has gone hypo?

I just started my cat on insulin this week. He got ketoacidosis and spent 3 days in a clinic. It's been a tough and overwhelming week for us both. He's improving but is still very lethargic and way underweight.

[markNtime]

No doubt, Jason! My other (non-diabetic) cat is a tasmanian devil. Treating a lap cat is a lot easier.

[JaysonStorm]

Interesting... I always wondered how some animals would react to testing and injections. I bet some cats and dogs are hard to inject and test.

[Gide0n]

My kittie pooky is also diabetic. I just found out 2 weeks ago. I noticed that if I held a small flashlight to the inside of her ear I could get a very detailed look at the patterns of veins. The light has to be right but this will help you know where your cats veins are. Hope this helps.

[118chris118]

Depending on your machine and where in the world u are from.

im 22 and im a type 1 diabetic ( discovered 2 months ago ) our reading has to be between 4 - 8

[tracyblogger]

Okay, Mark, it worked! Zarley didn't sit still (he normally doesn't like his ears touched anyway). Also, I made the mistake of using a lance-it pen (Zarley has long hair on his ears) and the clicking was driving him crazy as I attempted to "aim" it, so I used a lance-it as you showed in your video and it worked!! He flinched a bit (so I need to be more gentle next time, but I'll learn). I tested him and got a reading!!! THANK YOU AGAIN!!

[shiver222]

Thanks! Buddy is a very pretty cat!

My cat Fireball was diagnosed with diabetes on Nov 12th and we just got our glucometer today. This was VERY helpful. We were able to draw a bit of blood, no problem. However, he didn't want to sit still as well as Buddy. Maybe with practice...

[tracyblogger]

THANK YOU for posting this! My cat was just diagnosed with diabetes and I'm going to the vet tomorrow to get my insulin instructions! Buddy is BEAUTIFUL!

[lornalou67]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!! I tried & tried & couldn't figure out where to get a good test site on my cat, Tough Guy. You should give this video to vet offices!!!!!!!!!!

[pashka210]

haha my cat would eat me if i ever tried to poke her with a needle.

[BlondeCurlsBlueEyes]

This isn't really related, but my friend has a diabetic cat and she wants to take her abroad, an I wanna ask if anyone knows if a diabetic pet can travle ona a plane at all? It would a be a great help if anyone knows XD

[presouz]

Stress can make a cats blood sugar rise, she should talk to her VET about getting something to take the stress out of the travel days

[Sundown33313]

wow! this is what I needed to learn. my cat is a diabetic. i found out a week ago. i am giving insulin twice a day. any tips on insulin injections you can post? thank you so much for doing this video.

[alpana555]

I give the insulin shots when my diabetic cat is either eating his breakfast, or dinner. I put Merlin up on a small counter top, wait till he has started munching, pull up a bit of skin near his neck and slide in the needle. He is too distracted by food to object to the shots!

[Freebird2202]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I was able to get a drip of blood with no problem and the cat was purring the entire time. I used the ultra thin lansets and they worked great! My cat had a normal reading.

[jules10109]

Do you know what the normal blood glucose level should be? We just found out that my moms cat has it and she just took her first test and it read 197...Thankyou.

Jules :)

[danceforeternity112]

for humans it's between 90 and 130 I guess it's the same for cats

[ashlanas]

My cat has been diagnosed and I have been taking him to the Vet for his blood sugar tests. All have been > 300. I want to get set up to do this at home. My question is, can I use a human glucometer, or do I have to get a cat/dog glucometer? My vet has specifically told me that there are special glumeters calibrated for cats and dogs. (and they are $250.00) I have been investigating on the internet and can not seem to find a clear answer. What are your thoughts?

[markNtime]

Thousands of cat owners have been using standard-issue glucometers with great success for years. I see no reason for you to have to spend $250. You should be able to get a glucomter for next to nothing.

[Sundown33313]

I just purchased today the One Touch Ultra Mini. I did look at all of them. It's the test strips that cost alot of money. WHY??? Anyway, still practicing on my cat. She moves around too much. And I am still insecure about doing this. So we need to both work together my cat and I. Should I wrap her in a towel? Any suggestions?

[glazedcrystal]

Thank you for this from the bottom of my teeny kitty cat's heart. We had no idea what we were doing and injured her the first 2 tried, then I looked this us, tried again and did it perfect. I was crying I was so happy! thanks!

[loboderusia]

Hey, as I know, it is not good tu press the ear trying to get more blood! The ground is: in this way you get the tissue liquid in the blood drop and so the sugar will appear to be notably lower, than in the reality! Attention! It is not needed as well to press it: if you made befor massage of the ear and target the vein good, you will get automaticaly the good drop.

[presouz]

actually warm ears specially in the winter time ears get really cold .. so I have a little rice bag I put in microwave for a few seconds and warm it up PLEASE check it on the wrist before you use it on the kitty, I put it on the ear this helps. Plus if your kitty has LONG HAIR you can use a thin bit of vaseline to keep the hair laying flat and the blood will bead up really well. I test my kitty daily! I use a lancet pen, I cant do the poke with out it! GOOD LUCK

[SgtThomy]

Hey, great video =)

I have Diabetes too, but I can't handle it very good ( Hba1c: 12,2% )

Anyway. One question : Why you don't use the special tool for the "Lancet" ? Would your Buddy get frightened by the clicking noise ? o_O

[markNtime]

Sarge - I got comfortable using just the lancet early on. I feel I have more control over the placement of the earprick. There's at least one youtube video up and running of a gal who uses the pen. Thanks, Mark

[StrategicMedia]

Thank you so much (both of you!) for posting this video. You made it so easy, and I'm most grateful to have a learning tool like this. All the best to both of you.

[markNtime]

It has been a year since I posted this video. Thanks for your kind responses! Buddy is doing wonderfully. He's on a small dose of Lantus insulin 2x a day and is spunky as a kitten. My family members and I have been testing his blood sugar every day since he was diagnosed -- three years ago. Hometesting his blood sugar before his insulin shots has been a lifesaver for Buddy and a great relief for us. YOU CAN DO THIS! Best regards, Mark

[MidnightButterfly222]

so my question is this.. what is the normal BG range for cats?.. is it the same as for humans? i'm DiabeticType1 myself and am interestied in testing my cat's bloodsugar because i notice sometimes exhibiting similar telltale signs of diabetes..drinksplenty, and pisses quite a bit!! i'm not really gonna count sleeps alot, cuz that's just what cats do, lol... anyways, is it better to not use the poker..so the noise doesn't startle the kitty? ... and where would you inject the insulin on them?

[markNtime]

MB222 - Based on the clinical signs you observe, I'd make a vet appointment for a checkup and blood work. Could be something other than diabetes. Felinediabetes dot com is a great resource for information.

[KHissam]

This is a fantastic resource, and one I would like to provide for my clients. It is important for all to remember - if your pet was diagnosed with a medical condition, please follow your vet's recommendations. Any information acquired through internet research should be verified by your vet, and you should never make changes to your pet's medications without the advice of your doctor.

[allinalli]

i have type diadetes and was wondering if the cat has type one ore type two diabetes?

And what does the cat do if it has low bloodsugar? it may not eat sugar ore?

[getcathelp]

I work for a vet as a feline diabetes counselor. For anyone who has a newly diagnosed diabetic...it is very possible to reverse diabetes by feeding a low carb canned *only* diet and using insulin (Lantus or PZI only) to keep BG numbers in the normal range (which requires home testing.) See yourdiabeticcat dot com for an example. Sometimes even long term diabetics can be reversed although it is not as common.

[westernrider1098]

I reversed my cat's diabetes using a dry food (low cab) diet and Humulin N. It's uncommon but it can be done without doing the canned *only* diet and PZI or Lantus insulin.

[getcathelp]

I'm glad to hear your cat is better, but consider yourself lucky. Even the dry diabetic diets are too high in carbs, which makes achieving remission more difficult and increases the risk that the cat will at some point become diabetic again. We need to feed cats like the carinivores they are with grain free canned foods. See catinfo dot org for an excellent overview of feline nutrition and good luck with your kitty :-)

[bphutchins]

my baby cat just was diagnosed with diabetes, thanks for the post

[prupre]

This is awesomely informative and helpful. Much, much appreciative - thank you for taking the time to put this together.

[teokengchuan]

if your cat's blood sugar level is not getting any better even after daily insulin shots, your best bet is to take it off dry food completely and start it on a diet of raw meat and/or wet food. cats are obligate carnivores that need protein and little complex carbo. all dry food are bad for them as they contain wheat gluten which their bodies can't process. i put my diabetic cat on this diet and in 3 weeks my vet has advised me to stop the shots, at least for now.

[markNtime]

teokengchuan raises excellent points about diet. Moving your cat from a dry diet to a high quality wet protein-based diet will normally result in lower blood sugar and in some cases may preclude the need for injected insulin. It's important to test and monitor the blood sugar when making dietary changes.

[ImJessica1003]

Thank you so much! Meiko will be happy to hear we were educated on the subject before we took his blood! :-D

[1TheRocks]

Wonderful work!

Congratulations!

[perceptualvortex]

Thanks for the video. I've just begun treating my cat for diabetes, and I sometime having difficulty with getting a blood drop to use for glucose tests. Watching your procedure (and others on the web) is very helpful.

[engreena]

So glad this video has been made, though I'm a bit worried because whenever I touch my cats ears he tries to slap my hand. He was recently diagnosed but he hasn't been doing too well, urinary infection and dehydration, not eating enough. I'm going to start home testing and show the results to the vet to get Ginger feeling better soon. Where will I be able to buy a meter and is there a recommended meter? I'm in the UK.

[markNtime]

engreena, I'll defer to the felinediabetes dot com experts re: ear sensitivity & purchasing a UK meter. Dehydration & infections are common diabetes side effects. Your vet can treat w/ IV fluids & anitbiotics if nec. Potential for these side-effects greatly reduced thru regulation of the blood sugar. Try to migrate Ginger to a high quality wet food. But if she won't eat, it's important to get her interested in something - anything. Good luck. You're doing great already!

[teokengchuan]

thank you and buddy. this is way informative. excellently put together. i feel a lot more at ease now dealing with my diabetic cat, ali. cheers!

[lawandamanda]

Thank you, this is so helpful! I'm starting home monitoring this week and was having a hard time visualizing the right spot on the ear. Not sure if my Ruski cat will allow me to poke his ear, so I'm hoping there's a video like this for the pad of the paw!

[markNtime]

Thank you for your kind comments!

[markNtime]

If you're deciding whether you should treat and hometest your diabetic cat, please do! I was overwhelmed when Buddy was first diagnosed with diabetes. So I went to the felinediabetes site and learned what I needed to get started. That was 2 1/2 years ago. Buddy is in great health as of today. I check his blood sugar and administer his shot of Lantus insulin 2x each day. It's as easy as brushing my teeth - and no more time consuming. Feline diabetes is a very treatable condition. YOU CAN DO IT!

[scaldinghot]

you don't know what this video posting means to me. thank you thank you THANK YOU.

[Coppeliushilft]

Thank you very much for this video tutorial, it's very helpful for everyone who has to deal with a freshly diagnosed diabeticat. I was really fearful when I was confronted with that illness, and videos like yours were absolutely priceless for taking away the fear!

I wish your Buddy all the best, and I'm sure he's very lucky to have you as his owner. He's a really beautiful guy!!

[harleyprincess2u]

Thats awsome and very great information . Thank you for educating people and pet owners.

[jodythekiwi]

What is it with these black cats and diabetes? I loved your movie and Buddy played his part very well. He looks a sweet-natured boy like my Monty (check out Monty the Diabetic Cat). Very educational movie. Great work. By the way, how old is Buddy and how long has he been diabetic for?

[kris10chelle]

Thanks for the video. My Mom's precious cat was just diagnosed with diabetes. She is feeling very overwhelmed and sad right now. I am going to show her this video.

[markNtime]

Great question. Yes, the ideal range is the same. Animal diabetics bear the same health consequences from elevated blood sugar as human diabetics. Fortunately, it's fast and easy to check their blood sugar at home. Hometesting allows me to keep Buddy's blood sugar within that healthy range while avoiding taking it too low. By the way, Buddy is on Lantus insulin and doing very well on it!

[lantusappreciation]

Are the same blood sugar numbers that are ideal in people (about 75-125 or more expansively 65-160) ideal in cats? What numbers do you want Buddy to have?

[Coppeliushilft]

May I answer, too?

My cat is also a diabetic, but now he fortunately has his so called "honeymoon", i.e. his numbers are fine without insulin, due to "Tight Regulation" his pancreas could recover.

I want him to be in almost the same range as a human, indeed. It's around 50 - 120, exp. 40 - 130. By the way my cat got Lantus, too, and it worked great!! :D Best regards!