• Diabetic cats require certain supplies to keep them healthy.cat image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
  
  If your cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes, you may have many questions. For instance, you might be wondering what types of supplies are needed to take care of your kitty. Fortunately, cat diabetes only requires a few items to treat and manage animals that are affected.
  
  

Insulin

• Insulin regulates your cat's blood sugar level by working with her pancreas and body. High levels of glucose in the body stimulate the pancreas to send out insulin. The kidneys and liver are then alerted to absorb the excess glucose. When a cat has diabetes, she needs extra insulin to help with the process. There are various types of insulin that are indicated for the use of diabetic felines, states the Feline Diabetes website, including PZI, Humulin N, glargine and detemir. There are two concentrations of insulin: U-40 and U-100. Your cat's veterinarian will prescribe which insulin and concentration will best help your pet.
  
  

Insulin Syringes

• In order to administer insulin to your cat, you must use an insulin syringe, states the Web site Feline Diabetes. Insulin syringes are different from typical syringes, as they are marked for the dosages in which insulin is typically dispensed. Which insulin syringe your cat uses depends upon which concentration he receives. For instance, if your kitty is on U-100 insulin, he would use syringes that are designed for that concentration. Your veterinarian may carry the syringes, or you may need to visit a pharmacy to obtain them.
  
  

Glucometer

• It is often essential for owners to monitor their cat's blood sugar level at home. To do so, many use glucometers. These devices are able to check the amount of sugar in your cat's blood with just a few drops. Many glucometers come with devices that allow cat owners to collect blood by pricking the cat's ear or paw pad. The owner places the sample onto a test strip, then inserts the strip into the device. The glucometer will then notify the owner of the cat's sugar level. Testing their cats at home allows owners to know the cat's insulin peaks, or when the cat's glucose levels are at their highest and lowest. This can help determine which times of day owners should administer the insulin. In addition, glucometers are also helpful if your cat is behaving unusually and you want to know if an abnormal glucose level is the cause.