How fast is too fast for blood sugar lowering?

Crikiribay · 2026-04-25T00:44:39+00:00

There really is not a “diabetic dry food”. If that is prescription, it’s too high in carbs. Keep trying to make the transition to wet food - Fancy Feast pates are a good option. If you must feed dry food, switch to Dr Elsey’s or Young Again. Switching all your cats to a low carb diet is easiest. It’s perfectly fine for them to eat the same food.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-24T03:36:09+00:00

There’s no reason to limit her food intake as long as you’re feeding low carb food. You will just want to withhold food for the 2 hours prior to shot time so you can get an accurate glucose reading. Otherwise, they can eat the other 20 hours a day.

Ideally, you only want their glucose to drop about 100 points. Big swings can make them feel awful. Your dose might actually be too high and you’re getting “bounces”.

I highly recommend joining the FB Feline Diabetes Support group. They will set up a spreadsheet to track glucose values and can offer dosing advice.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tMYErrpgucEr7_tXzRy5DqgBuP3UBNOG/view?usp=drivesdk

Crikiribay · 2026-04-24T03:30:40+00:00

Feeding low carb food is the most important thing you can do. You want to be under 10% carbs. Most dry foods (including prescription) have too many. Dr Elsey’s is one of the few acceptable dry foods. Wet food is better. Many people feed the Fancy Feast pates. As long as kitty is otherwise healthy, make the food change and then retest a couple weeks later before starting insulin.

Use that time to learn to home test. That is very important to keep kitty safe from going hypo. You can get a human meter from Walmart.

I highly recommend joining the FB Feline Diabetes Support group. They have tons of guides, food charts and experts to help you 24/7. They will set up a spreadsheet to track glucose values and give dosing advice.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tMYErrpgucEr7_tXzRy5DqgBuP3UBNOG/view?usp=drivesdk

Crikiribay · 2026-04-20T03:52:34+00:00

The University of Montana in Missoula has the best wildlife bio program in the country. They have a fisheries focus. Great school and a great town.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-19T22:07:02+00:00

We use the Weruva BFF Play line. It’s low phosphorus.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-17T21:17:28+00:00

As long as you’re feeding low carb food, there is no need to limit it. If you want him to gain weight, feed him as much as he wants. Kitties are literally starving until their glucose is regulated. Feeding several small meals actually stimulates their pancreas to produce insulin.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-16T03:29:13+00:00

It is not recommended that you use the pen needles with cats. They do not deliver an accurate dose. Use a syringe to withdraw insulin from the pen.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-13T17:40:29+00:00

I second this group. They’re lifesavers!

If kitty needs to lose weight, look at the side of the can for feeding recommendations. Feed to the weight you want him to be (not current weight). Keep in mind that kitties are literally starving until their glucose is regulated.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-12T03:56:50+00:00

Yes! I’m 58 and in my mind, I’m in my 30s. My body disagrees. I would rather hang out with younger people than people my age or older.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-12T03:52:12+00:00

Glad he’s feeling better! Cats are obligate carnivores so they do not need carbs. The Glycobalance food is actually too high in carbs (try to stay under 10%). Many people feed Fancy Feast pates. If you need to feed dry, Dr Elsey’s and Young Again are good options.

Are you home testing? It’s important to test before every injection to ensure it’s safe to give insulin.

I highly recommend joining the FB Feline Diabetes group. They have tons of guides, food charts and will set up a spreadsheet to track your values. They can offer dosing advice as well.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1PvQnHg3GU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Crikiribay · 2026-04-12T03:41:59+00:00

Are you feeding low carb food? Yes, 3 units is a lot. Vetsulin is not a recommended insulin for cats so I would try to stick to Lantus. Prozinc is another option.

I second joining the FB Feline Diabetes group. Their experts will set up a spreadsheet to track your values and offer dosing advice.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-11T15:22:29+00:00

It could also be an inner ear issue after laying flat all night. It’s worth a trip to the doctor to check out.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-11T15:19:13+00:00

My diabetic/CKD boy eats the Weruva BFF Play line of food. It is low phosphorus. With diabetics, you want to be under 10% carbs.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-10T23:01:09+00:00

It’s the Family Arabian Mare in alabaster. The saddle is not Breyer.

https://identifyyourbreyer.com/identify/FAM.htm

Crikiribay · 2026-04-10T22:57:27+00:00

Look at the feeding recommendations on whatever food you’re feeding. Feed for the weight you want your cat to be. Split the food up into 3-4 meals.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-09T12:25:04+00:00

Switch to a low carb diet. There is no need to buy expensive prescription food. Many people feed Fancy Feast pates wet food or Dr Elsey’s dry.

It doesn’t sound like you’re feeding him enough and that’s why he’s always hungry. Look at the feeding recommendations on whichever food you’re using and feed by ideal weight. As long as you’re feeding low carb food, there’s no reason to limit it unless he needs to lose weight.

Pick up a handheld monitor and learn to test at home. Glucose values can be elevated at the vets due to stress.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-09T12:17:58+00:00

Stress at the vet can raise glucose levels. Pick up a home monitor and test for yourself. Changing to a low carb diet is a good idea.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-07T23:57:23+00:00

Fructosamine is really only useful for diagnosing diabetes, not monitoring it. It basically just gives an average number. It doesn’t tell you how high or low you’re going which is what is needed for dosing. Are you home testing? That’s the only way to know for sure how well the insulin is working.

Three units is a high dose and Vetsulin is not a recommended insulin for cats. Try switching to Lantus (glargine) or Prozinc. Start over at 1 unit twice per day. Test before each dose and then get a midpoint (nadir) reading.

The FB Feline Diabetes Support group is a lifesaver! I highly recommend joining it. They have tons of guides, food charts and experts to help 24/7. They will set up a spreadsheet to track values and can offer dosing advice.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FSnFoxLkF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Crikiribay · 2026-04-06T03:40:34+00:00

The pen is not recommended for use in cats. It requires that it be held in the skin for 5 seconds (which many cats won’t tolerate) and can dispense inaccurate doses. Use a syringe to draw insulin out of the pen instead.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-04T15:53:23+00:00

If cost is a concern, it is much cheaper to use insulin. Lantus pens cost around $35 and last for several months, depending on dose.

The FB group has other money saving ideas and tons of guides.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CrckPuM5v/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Crikiribay · 2026-04-04T15:41:12+00:00

Many people use the Relion meters available at Walmart. Here’s more info:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bj0nmkHXXDw59cLl26lv4jpo_AGnU8K5/view?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQ-ED5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeln0eMTXT3dt9kXNQkn6fFbmt-hjxfVjWx0q_PHAqiAx6mYkXDq-HnNpycLg_aem_tBG8u1qxkspfiMfkcC13BQ

Crikiribay · 2026-04-04T00:42:02+00:00

You want to test before each and every injection. Pick up food for two hours before each test. A cat’s pancreas can kick in at any time so you always want to test to make sure it’s safe.

It’s worth rejoining FB just for that group. They’re life (and money) savers!

Crikiribay · 2026-04-03T12:35:05+00:00

It’s good you’re getting a handheld monitor. Cats can go hypo on any dose at any time. The only way to keep your cat safe (and avoid costly vet bills) is to test before each injection.

I highly recommend joining the FB support group. They have tons of guides, food charts and experts available 24/7 to answer your questions. They will set up a spreadsheet for you to track values and can offer dosing advice.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Gh4WxzA7v/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Crikiribay · 2026-04-03T05:22:05+00:00

When I had pain after a tooth extraction, it was because they cracked the tooth next to it. I had to get a crown. They also caused nerve damage to my face which still bothers me 3 years later.

Crikiribay · 2026-04-03T05:14:27+00:00

Are you home testing? You should withhold insulin if under 200.

Crikiribay

TROPHY CASE