My 11-1/2 year old male cat, Butch, was diagnosed diabetic about three months ago ... he had been losing weight and, although he was once quite a hefty (okay ... fat) cat at one time he had grown quite thin.  I guess I was in denial about his weight loss for quite some time since he really didn't exhibit any symptoms of any problem that I was aware of, and seemed quite happy and healthy otherwise.

Then the drastically-increased water drinking and urination set in, and it became obvious that there was something wrong.  Because of my circumstances I'm not really able to get Butch out of the house and to a veterinary clinic or hospital (and I'm not sure he could handle the trip, either).  I was very fortunate to find a local veterinarian who makes house calls, and she came out and performed the tests and exam that pronounced him as diabetic and ruled out other health problems that might have exhibited similar symptoms.

So, since that day we've been attempting to get Butch regulated on daily insulin injections, with periodic testing and constant vigilance for a return of the symptoms.  I'm happy to say that we now appear to have him stabilized on 6 units daily, his symptoms have abated and he is putting weight back on ... pretty much his old self.

From talking to others on the web and other forums, and from personal experience, dealing with a diabetic pet can be a frightening experience and, as I said before, there is much contradictory information out there as to the proper method of diagnosis, treatment, etc.  I hope that this mailing list can act as support to those who are going through the trauma of trying to save the life of a beloved pet.