Home testing cat's blood sugar levels

[CillianMurphy1976]

hi, my cat was diagnosed a week ago with diabetes. I have been giving her two shots a day. SHe was also diagnosed with a UTI and on anti biotics for that. My cat was at the vet for 2 days and I have read that stress can raise a cats levels. I was curious as to what "normal" levels are? Yesterday I only gave her one shot as I am thinking she may not be diabetic afterall?? then today I have not given her a shot at all..finally tonight I was able to test her and her level is 101. Input please

[lynetteack]

@CillianMurphy1976 @CillianMurphy1976 - Infection can also raise BG levels.

101 is not bad... I don't know what insulin you're on.

See my blog for more info - meowmeowmom on wordpress - see the post "feline diabetes beliefs"

Especially note how diabetes should be diagnosed

Get her on an all-wet diet. No dry food. Most cats go into remission with an all-wet diet and temporary use of insulin to bring down BG levels.

[majickjessi2]

Hi lynetteack, my cat was recently diagnosed as diabetic and after watching your video my father and I were encouraged to try your way to get our cat into remission. As of right now Kitty has gone from 2 units of insulin twice a day to only one unit in the morning we're hoping to get her into remission like your cat Dreamsickle. Thank you so much for posting this video and encouraging us to not give up on our Kitty.

[lynetteack]

@majickjessi2 - That's just lovely! thanks for sharing! :-D

[Dax5329]

Hi Lynetteack,

thanks for the great video!!!

his blood sugar is 68 in the video, my vet says this is very low, please let me know what you think, my cat is having problems with regulation of insulin and the vet has done a few BG curves, the last one started @ 250 before giving 3.5 units of insulin and @ the end of the day BG was 68, my cat has the same amount of energy throughout the tests....any advice would be great....thank you

[lynetteack]

@Dax5329 Dreamsicle was 68 WITHOUT insulin. In my experience, this is typical for a cats' normal BG levels in a non-stressful (home) environment. Stress elevates blood sugar levels, so they typically test higher at the vet's office. I would encourage you to learn to test at home, it's very helpful in regulation.

[lennonej]

You don't need to use the lancet pen, it goes too deep.  Just puncture on your own and squeeze. You are causing too much damage with the pen. The ear is thin enough already.

[Joeys48]

Hi Lynetteack,

I'm trying to get my cat's glucose down with no success! I checked his blood myself tonight for the first time (The vet has been doing it weekly) before his nightly insulin suspecting hypoglycemia as he was lethargic today but his glucose was 430! He gets 3 units of Lantus Solostar twice a day. He has been eating Frisky's canned food mixed with prepared chicken for the last 2 months + a little dry food to hold him over at night. 11-6:30 AM. Any suggestions?

[lynetteack]

@Joeys48 Treating a diabetic cat given dry food is like treating a human diabetic eating cookies/doughnuts. It's a losing battle.

Consider tight regulation.

[DanniD]

ow my god, don't think that's gonna work for me or the cat. But I have to try it .... its not that good for the cat to have narcose every month to draw blood. My vet doesn't have a meter like that.

[lynetteack]

Danni,

You may be surprised. I've worked with nine diabetic cats. There are few nerve endings in a cat's ear - most don't mind the testing. I just use a blood glucose meter such as sold for human diabetics at any drug store. Your vet SHOULD have a meter - but many don't as they're not up to date on the latest treatment options. Dr Jacquie Rand had a great presentation at the ACVIM conference including the very video shown here.

[DanniD]

@lynetteack test

[DanniD]

@lynetteack

Check pb

For others that read this sometimes you can get free glucose meters like in the netherlands, check if they do in your countrie, check the diabetic boards for human or cats

[NastyNickNorris]

Are you still testing his BG levels, and how often do you test? Is testing something I would need to do for the rest of his life? I'm considering starting with my cat he was just diagnosed.

[KarineKohli]

Hi, First of all you what diet is you cat on? If he is on dry food stop giving it to him immediatly and go for low-carb food (cans) see below for advices. At the beginning, you need to test at least twice a day, morning and evening. Best if you can test three or four times. Once the cat is stabilized. Two times is good. If you put your cat on low carb food there is a good chance that he will stop having diabetis soon (it happened with a few cats I know including mine.)

[Beannieable]

@KarineKohli I am devasted that my cat has just been diagonised with diabetes. I would like to try my best if there's a chance for him to recover from diabetis. He is about 10 years of age.

[auron508]

@Beannieable Mine's 12 and we're starting her on insulin this week. I know this comment is a couple months old but hang in there. They deserve all the attention you can give to em on this type of thing. If your cat is anything like mine, he's there when you need him

[phoneyaddress]

Thanks!

What low-carb food(brand,type) are you giving him?

[lynetteack]

Dreamsicle was fed 9-Lives ground dinners, Friskies ground dinners, and Fancy Feast gourmet feast. (I avoid the flavors in gravy.) Read the ingredients - look for a WET food with little-to-no grains, veggies, fruit, etc, that is nutritionally complete.

[phoneyaddress]

Thanks!

[patacattoday]

thanks for that. I will try testing my cat tomorrow using my brothers BSL test kit, Miffy has just been diagnosed but is showing signs of high suger as she is hungry all the time and drinking lots

[blinks323]

wow..wouldn't it great if PEOPLE with diabetes were that lucky..not having to take insulin for 12 having our pancreas do it all by themselves

[FubarGuy]

This is so great! We were just trying to get a sample from the ear, but on the inside and having no luck at all. I noticed you using the outer edge, and that worked much better. Thanks!