Diabetic cat

[midsomermurderess]

My cat was at the vet today for a scale and polish and they took bloods. His blood sugar was very high but dropped after his anaesthetic but it was still 15. They also found sugar in his urine. Further tests will be available tomorrow but it looks likely that he has diabetes.
I was talked through it, the forms of insulin available, how to inject him etc but the vet did suggest it's not that easy and sent me away to think about it. I can't imagine having him put down over it, it's for me to deal with. He's about 13, a bit overweight but I am dealing with that. Does anyone have an experience of dealing with a diabetic cat?

Our old girl was diabetic and once we got into the swing of things it was fine and just part of the daily routine. Obviously it means going away you need a decent cattery or cat sitter who can do injections. We used Caninsulin so not sure how others work in comparison. We did have excellent vets who helped us and it made all the difference. The injections were easy to do-the vet showed me using distilled water. There are many things I learned along the way if you need any more help from a owners perspective.
Am not sure if weight loss can help reverse it or not-ours was a slim girl but had a badly damaged pancreas from pancreatitis. I think diet can help but again not sure.

I got the impression that diet is unlikely to reverse it but I think he could do with losing a bit of weight. Thank you for your reassurance that you get into the swing of it. That's what I think I have to do. And I certainly understand the need to have a good cattery which could do his injections if I'm away. I have found it a bit of a shock and worry that it's my fault somehow. But they think they got it early, if it is diabetes, and there's no sign of keto damage etc. Oh well, a new routine for Barney.

We were lucky as our vets have a cattery on site! Our vet even popped in on the Saturday night one time to do the injection as she lived super close.
I agree it is daunting at first but definitely gets easier.

Yes, I just have to get my head around it and stop blaming myself. He's a bit overweight but not massive. He's quite a gentle creature so I hope he takes to the injections well. Although how I do that is key. Having to take him to the vets every two weeks, in the initial period, for them to work out his 'curve' worries me too. He's a house cat and gets a bit het up being put in a carrier, especially as he gets older. Thank you both, for your reassurance.