Diabetic cat, any experience?

[Cherrypies]

My cat had a wee on my bed yesterday, it absolutely stunk, a sort of chemically smell. Very unusual for her, normally very clean.
Got her to the vets, they scanned her for stones, all clear. So did a urine test, said they would call back with the results today.
Turns out she has very high glucose levels, and probably cystitis.
Now has to go in and have a full blood test at £170.00!
Got an appointment for this to be done tomorrow.
I cant imagine how I am going to be giving her injections!
Anyone have any experience in this please?

Yes. Our cat was drinking loads, put weight on, urinating loads and generally looked unwell. Once he diagnosed diabetic and on insulin twice daily he was back to his usual self. I was incredibly apprehensive about the injections but it was fine after a week or so. He was a very placid and loving old boy though so that may have helped!

It is an expensive time though, our insurance paid for the insulin, blood tests (every 3 months I think) and the syringes.

Hope that helps.

My cat (21 now) has been diabetic for 5 years. Still going strong. I remember being nervous about injections but both he and I got used to it quickly. Agree with PP that it is an expensive time, with the insulin and the regular blood tests and the more-prone-to-UTIs.

Thankfully my insurance has been brilliant throughout. Never a problem in paying out.

My old boy was diabetic.

Don’t know where anyone gets their insulin from but my vet said that from him the insulin would cost £56 per vial but if he gave me a private prescription to take it to Boots and insulin was £28.

Our old girl was diabetic. The injections were easier than applying flea spot on or giving tablets. It was quite a commitment and she had to stay in the cattery (part of our vets which was handy) when we went away so they could give the injections. That said I would do it again if needed.
We bought a glucometer and strips so could do glucose curves at home and send the details to the vet. We bought the insulin from animeddirect.co.uk and the syringes also online but I can't think the name of the website. You will need to make sure you order the correct syringes. Your vet will also have a prescription fee bit it still works put cheaper.
One thing I always say around diabetic cats is you need to have a good two way relationship with your vet(s) and the vet nurse(s). They are there to help and will answer your questions but they are highly knowledgeable in this area so need you to keep them updated/take your cat in for any tests etc.
Some cheap honey is good to have in case of hypos.
It is a manageable condition so please try not to worry. It does sound daunting at first but your vets will ensure you know how to deal with it. However, I'm not sure how they can show you to do the injections right now; the vet showed me what to do with distilled water and watched me do it.

Apologies too many typos!

Many thanks for your responses, did you have to feed special food?

Yes mine was on special diabetic food
He didn’t like the wet food but liked the fried version

Lots of experience here, now on my third diabetic DCat. It really does become part of your routine very quickly, and you've had some good advice from PP about where to buy the insulin and syringes. I'd also second the point about working with the vets, and add to think about how DCat will be cared for when you're away - we have an amazing catsitter who's also one of our vet nurses. It feels daunting right now I know, but is very doable.

Oh, and food - ideally yes they should have the diabetic food, but in reality it's not very appetizing and none of mine have ever accepted it! The main thing is that they eat enough plain-ish food at the right time to be jabbed. One of mine worked this out, and used to hold out for tuna...

No. Ours also had IBD so the diabetic food wasn't suitable. We had to give the insulin about half an hour after she'd eaten in case of any puking.

Update, thankfully she is not diabetic, all bloods perfect, vet says just keep an eye on her, and take back for a check on urine in about 4 weeks, thinks maybe stress cystitis. Although nothing has changed at home, and no further mess indoors, hopefully a one off. Maybe something happened when she was out, who knows.
Thank you for all your responses. Here she is

Good news! You must be so relieved. She's beautiful 😻

That is a relief! Hope all stays ok.

Could it have been fireworks scaring her? We had loads and they seemed louder than usual and over more nights

PS she's gorgeous

Thank you everyone she is a ex feral, I caught and tamed her myself. She is very loving and her purr very loud.
Had her about 6 years now and has not had a problem before with fireworks, but here it's not firework day, its firework week! So not easy to avoid, but maybe one went off too near her, but she never goes far, only the garden really and I dont do fireworks myself.
She seems quite happy today, so fingers crossed she is ok now.
Thanks again