Remission!

[cjsmith]

I just got a REALLY good birthday present. It appears that Duchess is now in diabetic remission.

Details:
- She hasn't had her insulin shot today
- Her blood glucose has been around 100 all day
- The food she's on, and the insulin chosen for her, often have this effect if they are both started immediately
- I'll get her fructosamine blood work back Tuesday or Wednesday
- I am now to discontinue insulin until I get that phone call
- I am to monitor her for signs of diabetes return (increased thirst/urination, weight loss, listlessness)
- If it still appears she's in remission, we'll check her blood in a few weeks, then taper off until we're checking every six months or so

This happens in cats way, way more often than in humans. It's (nearly?) unheard-of in humans, but many kitties go into remission. I had no idea, even if we would be so lucky, that it could happen this fast.

Wow.

Comments

[portia.livejournal.com]

That's terrific news! My parents' cat Max was recently diagnosed with diabetes. The food looked like it might help but unfortunately they had to start giving him insulin twice a day. Poor Max - he is a shadow of his former self but he seems to be getting better.

I will be sure to tell them about kitty diabetes remission! I had no idea that was possible.

Oh, and happy birthday! :o)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Duchess went on insulin almost immediately as well. I'm sure Max will perk up. Duchess was back to her old habits quickly, and she even gained back some of the weight she lost before treatment.

Apparently it's not only possible but fairly common for a cat to go into remission, especially early in treatment. Wikipedia claims some big numbers (scan down for "remission"). What insulin is Max on? I was lucky, it appears, and Duchess got insuline glargine, one of the most likely to prompt a remission. I hope Max responds equally spectacularly. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for the birthday wishes! :)

[portia.livejournal.com]

I gave my parents the info about insuline glargine. It is not what they are giving to Max so they will be asking the vet the next time they see him for his opinion. Thanks again!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Maybe the vet gave Max another of the good ones. Those remission numbers really surprised me. (Now I'm wishing I were a cat, because diabetes runs in my family.)