"georgepds" wrote in message
...
My 10 year old 10 pound tuxedo (Bella, neutered male) was just diagnosed
with diabetes. The vet says his BG is 400, my wife and I measured it (
first timers... what excitement) at 437 with a one touch ultra mini
glucometer this evening. The cat does not like it, but it was not that
difficult (we used a paw pad prick with the very strong kitty wrapped in a
towel, she held him and I pricked)

Previously we were feeding him dry food that was ~50% carb. After reading
up on feline diabetes we switched to 7% carb (EVO), and are thinking of
switching to raw meat. The plan is to watch the BG ( read every other day)
and, should it start to rise, begin a treatment of insulin. Given my
druthers... I'd rather treat the cat by change of diet, but am willing to
go further if needed

My question is should I just simply begin insulin treatment now? I'm
extrapolating from humans.. my GP tells me he has patients that come in
year after year with BG of 400. From what I've read change of diet can
help. I just do not know how serious 400 is in a cat, and if I have the
time to wait for the change in diet to kick in.

Rest assured, should he not improve, I'll start the course of insulin

In addition to what the others have written: It is preferable to prick the
ears, not the paws. Cats barely notice when you use that location. I also
suggest that you use a quality canned food that has *no* grains. Cats
simply do not need carbs! Wellness is an excellent product, and many people
with diabetic cats have achieved normal BG on this diet.

MaryL