Tweek
I'm Not Fat! I'm- Festively Plump! | 
 | | Purred: Tue Jun 24, '08 1:10pm PST |  | |  | | Hi Everyone,
here's some helpful links Mom read when i first got diagnoses.
( FD Basics)
http://gorbzilla.com/fd_basics.htm
( FD for "dummies")
http://felinediabetes.com/dummies.htm
(Home testing)
http://felinediabetes.com/bg-test.htm
but you both can message me whenever you want. she won't mind. she had a HUGE folder of bookmarks, so she can fwd them along to you, if you want.
the 'beties is totally manageable, but really scary when you first start out.
Mom and Dad both cried A LOT when i got sick, and they work really hard to keep me healthy, but now they pick on me about it.
I was diagnosed in October of 2007, and i'm well on my way to remission ( i'm on Lantus, down from 7 units per day to just over 2 units per day)
Mom slowly switched me from dry food to a canned food, so i would get used to it. I still want carbby food sometimes, but the canned food is WAY yummier.
here's a list of the foods that are for sale and how many carbs are in them. Take the list to your vet and talk to them about what food is best for you.
http://www.geocities.com/jmpeerson/CanFoodNew.html
http://w ww.geocities.com/jmpeerson/dryfood.html
I get Friskies special diet, because i have a history of UTI's and mom & Dr. Joe want to be sure i don't get sick, because the 'beties makes getting sick that much worse.
She gives me treats that have no carbs, like the no carb tuna flakes from Drs. Foster and Smith and cat nip after she and Dad test my sugar.
We use a Reli-on ultima meter, just like mom's grandmother used, because it has a "sipping strip" which means they need less blood to get a reading.
We paw test, and sometimes, it makes me limpy for a day or two, but we found it was a lot easier than the ear test for me. Some kitties like the ear test better, so you and your parents will have to do a trial and error.
I went to the vet every week for the first few months. Dr. Joe is great, even though i get scared and hissy at him. He gave mom a good deal on the tests, and once she learned how to do a home test, she just called him once a week to check in and get advice.
Your vet will be your parents new best friend. Mom called Dr. Joe several times a day during the first few weeks of my treatment.
so, have your parent make a cup of tea, and sit down with you and read all about the 'beties. Have them write down ALL their questions, even the "stupid" ones, It can save your life!
they will be overwhelmed and scared and probably not sleep to much the first few weeks but its perfectly normal, and it will be worth it. It'll cost a bunch of money, but once you get set up, you're well set.
My 'beties supply box includes;
-BG meter
-lancet
-test strips
-steptic powder ( to clot my paw after a test)
-needles ( the thinner and shorter the better, but ask your vet)
-Insulin (keep it in the fridge)
-Ketone Strip ( to check the BG of my Pee, if a blood test is not possible)
- soup ladle ( to catch my pee for a ketone test)
-Low carb Snacks ( tuna flacks from Drs. Foster and Smith)
-Corn Syrup ( for Hypoglycemia, ask your vet about it)
-Catnip
it's a manageable thing, and in some kitties, you can even stop using insulin after a while.
read my diary, I talked a lot about it when i first got sick. I don't post as much anymore, because honestly, it's not that big of a deal anymore.
I never struggle for my blood tests or my shots anymore, and mom says getting up and feeding me and giving me a shot is "just like getting up and making coffee in the morning, it's automatic"
We don't test my sugar every day, Mom & Dad have gotten REALLY good at reading the signals i give them. If i run and sneak carby food, it probably means that my sugar is low and i need less insulin, or more carbs.
If i drink more water, it means my sugar is high and i need a bit more insulin (or less carbs). we test every few weeks now, but i am REALLY stable because Mom makes sure i eat right, and stay as active as i can.
The most important thing for your parents to do is keep in contact with your vet and learn as much as they can. Humans with 'beties live perfectly normal lives, and so can we 
Good luck to you both, message Us anytime for advice and support.
YOU CAN DO IT!
-Tweek ( and Nichole) |  |  | |  |
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