Diabetes supplies

[Lua]

Hi! My cat has been recently diagnosed with diabetes. It was a shock but we are getting used to the routine. Lots of stuff to buy though, and I wonder if anyone has tips for where to get insulin and syringes from?

Vet gave me prozinc syringes, but they are quite expensive. I see some cheaper alternatives out there, but would it be a mistake?

Also, should I invest in a glucometer? did people managed to do the curves ok?

Thanks for the help!

Our old girl was diabetic. What insulin is yours on?
Ours was on Caninsulin which I used to order from animeddirect.co.uk. Our vet recommended there or petdrugsonline.
Syringes I varied as it depended where had them in stock. I found Viovet a reliable place for those. Do make sure you're getting the correct ones though-might be worth double checkimg with the vet.I found the syringes the most expensive part.
I bought a cheapish glucometer from our local pharmacist. We checked it against the vets one and they matched. The strips aren't cheap mind. I used a syringe to get the blood rather than the thing if came with which is good for human fingers but not a delicate cat ear! The readings were fine to do.
I also bought some cheap clear honey in case of hypos. Apart from the insulin I kept all the syringes, honey and her other meds in one box so we always knew where things were.

thanks vino! I did stumble on viovet, which I have never hear about it before. Good to know they are reliable as they did have good prices.

They gave him Prozinc, not sure if it makes any difference...

He only takes one unit and got the blood under control within a week. I guess this is good news, but the vet said he is likely to have a hypo..... i keep worrying every time he doesn't move for more than 10 minutes... Is it very obvious when they are having one?

I don't know the difference between the insulin but I recall the effect of Caninsulin was gradual so blood sugar should be lowest around 6 hours after injection. Prozinc may work differently.
I did stick with animed direct for the insulin. In fact I use them for flea stuff for current cat as they were (and still are) good. But yes Viovet for syringes.
A hypo is obvious. Ours came wobbling through the cat flap with pupils dilated. This is why a glucometer is useful too. The hobe works quick and is the most palatable to cats. A neighbours cat once had a hypo on our conservatory roof and DP was rubbing strawberry jam on her gums as it was all we could find!
Our vets gave us a wonderful informative print out which I would share if I still had it.

*honey not hobe!

thanks again, is really reassuring to know that a hypois obvious!