View Full Version : High Blood Sugar and Diabetes
Last week I took my Little Black Bears, Dr. Nicholas Jeckyll and Mr. Tumbelino Hyde, into the doctor for their annual check up. Both had blood tests run and a couple of days later the results came in. Tumbelino has high blood sugar and is most likely diabetic-type 1. The cause has not yet been determined, and we may never know what has caused this condition. He has been put on a sugar and carbohydrate restricted diet, not that he ever ate that many foods that were packed with sugar or carbs, although he did have his favorites. As well, he is on liquid herbs to cleanse his little body. We are hoping that within the next two weeks, when he is retested, that his blood sugar level will be down. Even so, I think people should be aware that high blood sugar and diabetes can and does happen to squirrels; even squirrels that are on the very best foods available. In Tumbelino's case, the only sign was weight gain and it happened almost over night. He didn't feel well one night and his abdomen felt spongy, fleshy, and he was bloated. I suspected he may have had an upset tummy, but his abdomen didn't go back down in size. He has no other symptoms, but abnormal weight gain is a clue.
As this progresses, I'll try to keep everyone informed to what we find and what foods, herbs, etc. help and which one's don't. Hopefully, our findings will enable other owners to help their babies that may be facing high blood sugar and diabetes.
Oh so sorry to hear this. I wish you best of luck and hope the little guy will do ok. Thanks for the info :)
wheezer
05-19-2008, 01:14 AM
I know this is happening more and more with cats too. I found with research that most of it is caused by diets that are not really proper for them. Most commercial dry diets really aren't formulated to what the natural cat diet should be. I wonder if squirrels get such a huge variety of food in the wild that we sometimes miss some needed requirement or give something they shouldn't have. Hope you find out what may have caused this so we can learn something. Keep us posted and good luck and :thankyou
island rehabber
05-19-2008, 07:39 AM
Tomo if anyone is going to pursue and find out more about this it will be you. :thankyou for keeping us informed.....poor, adorable Tumbelino! :Love_Icon And thank God you followed your intuition and had his blood tested. Many hugs & massages for that boy until he feels better. :grouphug :)
wheezer
05-19-2008, 09:41 AM
I forgot to say I LOVE the picture of your little "black bear":Love_Icon
:thankyou everyone for your encouragement. This is certainly a shock, but we'll figure it out and get him back to normal. And if anyone can figure it out with us, it's Dr. P! I think it will be learning experience for all of us. :)
I forgot to say I LOVE the picture of your little "black bear":Love_Icon
He is pretty scrunchable in that photo and really looks like a little black bear when he sits up like that! He's even more scrunchable when he's running around the bathroom in the morning. I take him up there hoping to get a urine sample to test for ketones and glucose, but all he wants to do is crawl around on mommy and taste everything! What a baby! :Love_Icon
Tomo if anyone is going to pursue and find out more about this it will be you. :thankyou for keeping us informed.....poor, adorable Tumbelino! :Love_Icon And thank God you followed your intuition and had his blood tested. Many hugs & massages for that boy until he feels better. :grouphug :)
Darn tootin' I'm going to find out about this. I just wish I spoke Chinese, then I'd take him to Chinatown to one of the elusive herbologists and see what they recommend. You know Chinese medicine has a cure for pretty much everything. The Chinese and Native Americans. Too bad I no longer live in Arizona (Dear God...did that actually come out of my mouth..yick, yick, yick, me and the desert just don't mix!!) I'd pay a visit to one of the Pima or Navajo elders and see what they'd have to say. Hmmm, that makes me think...I wonder what elders of Native American tribes I can find out this way. Hmmm, something to consider.
In the interim, Hugs, Kisses and many, many Massages! That's the key here...:D
Oh so sorry to hear this. I wish you best of luck and hope the little guy will do ok. Thanks for the info :)
I'll keep everyone posted as to my findings and hopefully I'll be finding them soon! :)
4skwerlz
05-19-2008, 06:38 PM
Has his urine glucose been dropping? How's he doing with the diet?
Poor sweetie.
luvs squirrels
05-19-2008, 07:00 PM
I wish you the best of luck with this little one. My Sammy T was diagnosed with diabetes right before Thanksgiving. I think this happens to squirrels more than realized. Unfortunately, our ending wasn't a good one.
I pray things will be different in his case. You are both definitely in my prayers.
:grouphug
Very good news here...I finally got a pee-pee reading on Tumbelino (hadn't caught him urinating in a couple of days) and the glucose in his urine dropped in half from 1000 mg/dL to 500 mg/dL :D however his ketone reading is still at 80 mg/dL (which is a large amount of ketones). But I'm working on it! I'm just hoping his glucose level keeps going down to negative as well as his ketones! God willing!!
I wish you the best of luck with this little one. My Sammy T was diagnosed with diabetes right before Thanksgiving. I think this happens to squirrels more than realized. Unfortunately, our ending wasn't a good one.
I pray things will be different in his case. You are both definitely in my prayers.
:grouphug
Thank you Luvs for your prayers. I read the thread and I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm trying so hard to be pro-active so he makes a full recovery and I don't have a tragedy as I did with my Beautiful Baby Tomo.
Has his urine glucose been dropping? How's he doing with the diet?
Poor sweetie.
Thanks to your guidance, I feel things are going in the right direction. He's such a screamin' demon that he wouldn't urinate in his cage when I was around nor would he urinate when I'd take him into the bathroom while I get ready in the morning. SO...I cleaned out the bottom of his cage from all the hay and aspen bedding so I could see any puddles and finally I got a sample. Glucose in half is a tremendous step in the right direction. Hopefully, tomorrow's reading will be even lower!
Many thanks 4skwerlz!! :grouphug :Love_Icon
4skwerlz
05-19-2008, 07:55 PM
That's great that his urine glucose is dropping. I'm concerned about his continuing ketoacidosis--this can be fatal. Did you discuss the ketone/urine glucose levels with your vet?
That's great that his urine glucose is dropping. I'm concerned about his continuing ketoacidosis--this can be fatal. Did you discuss the ketone/urine glucose levels with your vet?
I did discuss both with Dr. P. The good thing about the ketone is that it's toward the lighter side of the reading (hoping tomorrow will be at moderate or at least a level between large and moderate), however, any ketones are bad. Tumbelino is going back for a repeat blood test in 12 days. If for any reason his ketones do not drop to the moderate level in a few days or his glucose escalates, I'll bring him in immediately.
4skwerlz
05-19-2008, 08:15 PM
:thumbsup
Sorry to even ask.... I know you're giving the very best care possible. I was just a little surprised, since such high levels in a human would be very serious. Of course, squirrels are different, and much tougher than us. And I know you've got a fantastic vet. This is learning experience for me, and it's very interesting to be able to follow along with the lab results.
:thumbsup
Sorry to even ask.... I know you're giving the very best care possible. I was just a little surprised, since such high levels in a human would be very serious. Of course, squirrels are different, and much tougher than us. And I know you've got a fantastic vet. This is learning experience for me, and it's very interesting to be able to follow along with the lab results.
I just received an email from the all wonderful Dr. P. regarding the ketones in Tumbelino's urine. He indicated that we felt wouldn't get rid of the ketones without insulin. However, they will disappear if the sugar drops long enough. So I guess that is a positive answer and I just have to keep working on both levels as hard as I can.
GREAT NEWS!! Today, my little Love Bug, Tumbelino :Love_Icon had his second blood test and guess what...his blood sugar went down to 325 from 525 !!!! He also went from 1.8 lbs to 1.4 lbs!!!! :thumbsup :jump I guess we're doing something right with the herbs and low/no sugar/carb diet! Hopefully, when he goes back in 2 weeks, it will be even lower!
:thumbsup :jump :jump :jump :thumbsup
4skwerlz
05-30-2008, 11:25 PM
Such good news! :thumbsup
Every time I think about your little sweetie, it makes me more vigilant about NO SWEETS or CARBS for my two. And they love them so!
aww what a sweet love bug he is great pic:thumbsup so cute :D I am so glad to hear he is doing better :alright.gif give him extra hugs for me:)
Mountain Mama
05-30-2008, 11:34 PM
GREAT NEWS!! Today, my little Love Bug, Tumbelino :Love_Icon had his second blood test and guess what...his blood sugar went down to 325 from 525 !!!! He also went from 1.8 lbs to 1.4 lbs!!!! :thumbsup :jump I guess we're doing something right with the herbs and low/no sugar/carb diet! Hopefully, when he goes back in 2 weeks, it will be even lower!
What's a normal blood sugar in a squirrel?
GoldenEyes
05-30-2008, 11:39 PM
What a cutie Tumbelino is! I hope he gets well soon!
The best way to fight diabetes is through diet, which you already monitor closely, and the other is through exercise. A family member's blood sugar/diabetes was out of control so he joined the gym and took up swimming and the levels are back to normal levels without meds. Maybe a daily exercise routine would do the trick to increase his metabolic rate.
tatcat
05-30-2008, 11:46 PM
:D Tomo, glad to hear your babies are doing better!!!
What's a normal blood sugar in a squirrel?
Hi Mountainmama! I'm not certain if there's a safe range, but I think the doctor is shooting for 0 sugar in the blood. I will ask him though. They way the test is done is just like a human. They stick the squirrel and draw a tiny amount of blood and run it through a glucose meter. Within a minute a reading shows, but I don't know what parameters the meter runs on.
However, I will find out!
:thankyou everyone! We're just going to keep fighting this until is absolutely gone!! He's my baby son after all! (As I always tell him (and the other boys as well) "You're my S-O-N and my S-U-N!" And that they are!) This truly is a learning experience for keeping all of my babies healthy!
tatcat
05-31-2008, 12:40 AM
:thankyou everyone! We're just going to keep fighting this until is absolutely gone!! He's my baby son after all! (As I always tell him (and the other boys as well) "You're my S-O-N and my S-U-N!" And that they are!) This truly is a learning experience for keeping all of my babies healthy!
awesome i always call mine baby boy lol :D
Lady Squirrelly
05-31-2008, 08:29 AM
What diet changes have you made??
What was he getting that you now avoid??
What made you have him tested?
I am asking so that we may all have a better idea how to prevent this in our own babies.
island rehabber
05-31-2008, 08:37 AM
Just saw this wonderful news -- yay Tomo and yay Tumbelino!! That boy is just too beautiful to have one sick day in his life, and now he's getting healthier and healthier. :wahooI'm sure it's extremely hard to deny him treats and carbs but you're sticking to it and look at the great results! :bowdown
I should come up to Tomo's Tree House and stay for a couple weeks and you could get ME off treats and carbs......:tilt
Mountain Mama
05-31-2008, 08:50 AM
Hi Mountainmama! I'm not certain if there's a safe range, but I think the doctor is shooting for 0 sugar in the blood. I will ask him though.
Thank you. That boy is just too pretty to have to hang out with Wilford Brimley for his diabetes supplies.
awesome i always call mine baby boy lol :D
To Teen Angel's horror, I call JBS, my schweet bow-wee, especially when she has friends over.
I should come up to Tomo's Tree House and stay for a couple weeks and you could get ME off treats and carbs......:tilt
I'll come with you! But then Tomo will tell about all the growling and biting we did, and how our RRRRRRing was so much louder than the squirrels.
island rehabber
05-31-2008, 08:53 AM
I'll come with you! But then Tomo will tell about all the growling and biting we did, and how our RRRRRRing was so much louder than the squirrels.
:jump:jump
4skwerlz
05-31-2008, 08:55 AM
Normal glucose levels for a squirrel are believed to be similar to those for a human:*
Fasting blood glucose should be <110 mg/dl. This test is done after fasting for 8 hours.
Non-fasting blood glucose should be <140 mg/dl. Diabetes is diagnosed at 200 mg/dl.
Urine glucose should be zero. There should never be sugar in the urine.
*Normal levels for rats are about the same as for humans. In one comprehensive biological survey study of wild squirrels, blood glucose levels ranged between 109-139 mg/dl; however, stress can affect blood glucose levels.
What diet changes have you made??
What was he getting that you now avoid??
What made you have him tested?
I am asking so that we may all have a better idea how to prevent this in our own babies.
Hi Lady Squirrel!
I am planning on releasing more information when we're finished with this first phase, which is getting the blood sugar lower. Phase two will be keeping the blood sugar low.
All of my babies get a very healthy daily diet which will consists of 2-3 (or sometimes all in one day of the following (I put a star after items I either cut out entirely or limited to once a week):
dandelion greens
chicory
kale
escarole
parsley
collard greens
spinach
and any other dark greens that are high in calcium
Also I try on them
belgian endive
bok choy
sugar snaps
green beans
french beans
sweet potato * (1 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch piece per week! Lots of starch and high glycemic load)
corn * (so far he's had none except for a piece he found in an enclosure and attached like a wild animal. He didn't get far with it. Now I'm planning on giving him 1-2 kernels per week. Extreme, but necessary)
tomato * (hasn't had any for a long time, but I will add one per week to his diet)
All of the following nuts I have upped in portion because of their protein value and diabetics need to eat protein, plus I make him work for them by cracking them himself. (Believe it or not he and his brother just started cracking nuts 2 weeks ago!) All of these nuts are raw and unsalted and unroasted, plus he buries most of them:
almonds
walnuts
hazelnuts
pecan * (pecans aren't as bad as people think - sugar wize - however they, as all nuts have carbs and they need to be watched. Tumbelino gets 2 1/2 pieces per week)
peanuts * (1-2 occasionally just for the fun of cracking them)
brazils * (1/3 of a nut occasionally)
Really important diet supplement:
Fresh bark and branches!! Oak, maple, whatever is native to your area your baby would be eating if he/she were in the wild! I keep a good supply of all of these in their indoor and outdoor enclosures! They love them, plus when they get small enough, they use them inside their nest boxes as if they are actually building a drey!
I now use only timothy or botanical hay or orchard grass in the bottom of their indoor enclosures. If they eat it, it's actually good for them.
Fruits - to me this is a complete no-no for squirrels. His doctor agrees that they are not a normal part of a squirrel diet, but occasionally, fruit is okay so I give them:
avocado * (Tumbelino would rather eat avocado than any other thing in the world! He ate avocado almost every day but now gets a small cube - about 1/2 x 1/2 inch - about 2-3 times per week)
blueberry (about 1-2 per week - mostly they end up at the bottom of his enclosure)
The following I'd try, but he's not that fond of them. They were novelty at first, then he just didn't like them because he (as well as his brother) are quite anal and don't like to get their hands dirty unless it's really worth it!
raspberry
blackberry
grape
persimmon * He never ate it and couldn't figure out what it was
I'm sure I've forgotten something, but that's the basic diet. Lots of greens and fresh water.
He has an herbal mix (tincture form) that is added fresh every day to his water. The recipe is:
6 oz purified/triple purified water (they always get purified/filtered water)
2 drops of both - black walnut/wormwood complex and pau d'arco - both aid with sugar levels and bacteria that can raise blood sugar levels and will flush them out - blood purifiers for short
1 drop of each - green tea extract and burdock root
None of these hurt animals and can be easily found online under herbal remedies. I purchase his "alcohol free" from viatminshoppe.com in tincture (liquid) form and add the drops indicated above. The bottles come with built in droppers so it's easy.
EXERCISE!!
All of the babies get a minimum of 2-3 hours a day of running in their outdoor enclosure. There are some days that a couple of them don't want to go out, but they are out the door first thing the next morning! Exercise is important to weight loss - I keep telling myself that as I sit on my butt here at the computer. Needless to say my fingers, wrists, and forearms are in great shape!
I had Tumbelino and his brother tested. But mostly Tumbelino because he appeared to gain weight over night! Nicholas was always a larger baby and it wasn't that noticeable. Things that contributed to his diabetes? Not exactly sure if it's hereditary or because of diet. But his loves are avocado and corn and he probably over dosed on both! His brother, Dr. Nicholas Jekyll, was just as fat all winter, then in spring lost his weight and now he's trim. We have a newly released baby, Skinny Tail from the Tomo's Tree House tread, that was also just as round as a beach ball and he too lost weight. Nicholas was never that fond of corn and actually, being a doctor, he's quite conscious of what he eats! So I don't know why he was over weight other than it being baby fat. Skinny tail ate all the nuts in the enclosure and that's why he was so round. But once released he's ran it off.
The doctor and I are beginning to think that they too may have had a spell of diabetes and because they are young, their bodies were able to fight it on their own. It would not be the same for older squirrels!
I hope this information helps. I will add more as more comes available! It's just a matter of diet and exercise!
Please note: Rodent block (in any form) isn't in this list. I know it is supposed to be formulated with rodents in mind, but I always say to judge the quality of any product, look at the first ingredient. The first ingredient in rodent block is corn - high in sugar and starch! It is better than other foods, but the children's doctor stresses that premixed foods should be high in protein, not fat. He personally likes rodent block, but only for clients that aren't willing to go out of their way to balance a squirrel's diet.
I do plan on formulating my own squirrel kibble with all fresh ingredients (when I can find time between injured or just plain little babies) and whatever I concoct, I will share with everyone. But give me a little time! We have 17 soft release babies, 5 to be soft released, and 6 more coming! It’s just a squirrel-a-palooza here at Tomo’s!! (and I'm loving every minute of it as well…)
PS Thanks to 4skwerlz for the link to nutritiondata.com where I look up the nutritional values (especially glycemic load and carbs) for Tumbelino's diet!!
Normal glucose levels for a squirrel are believed to be similar to those for a human:*
Fasting blood glucose should be <110 mg/dl. This test is done after fasting for 8 hours.
Non-fasting blood glucose should be <140 mg/dl. Diabetes is diagnosed at 200 mg/dl.
Urine glucose should be zero. There should never be sugar in the urine.
*Normal levels for rats are about the same as for humans. In one comprehensive biological survey study of wild squirrels, blood glucose levels ranged between 109-139 mg/dl; however, stress can affect blood glucose levels.
Thank you 4skwerlz for this information!! Also, there should be no ketones in the urine. That's where we have to keep Tumbelino's glucose level down so the ketones go away as well!
BIG PS
Sugar Snaps - Tumbelino does not get these any more. But I do give him fava beans when I can find them! He does enjoy those and the glycemic load is much lower!
4skwerlz
05-31-2008, 10:21 AM
What diet changes have you made??
What was he getting that you now avoid??
I am asking so that we may all have a better idea how to prevent this in our own babies.
When we did the latest revision to the Healthy Diet, I made a lot of changes with an eye to possibly preventing diabetes. High glycemic load foods were virtually eliminated. For example, all the fruits on the list are those with the lowest glycemic loads. Glycemic load is an index of the total effect a food has on the body's blood glucose levels: how high they would rise, and also how FAST, which is crucial. There are also notes throughout indicating foods that are higher in carbs, sugars, or fat, for people who need to tailor their squirrel's diet. For a squirrel with confirmed diabetes, the diet would need to be even stricter, as Tomo as indicated; i.e., eliminating fruit altogether.
To be clear, there are two kinds of diabetes: Type 1 is really an autoimmune disease, where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Most people with Type 1 cannot live without injecting insulin. Type 2 usually develops gradually and is often associated with overweight, lack of activity, poor diet, and old age. Type 2 can sometimes be controlled with diet and lifestyle changes. Both Types need to watch their diet very carefully, but a healthy diet would not, theoretically, prevent Type 1 diabetes. However, proper diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise could theoretically prevent or slow development of Type 2 diabetes.
Tomo is also right about rodent block. Although rodent block contains a good balance of vitamins and minerals, it is based on some pretty unhealthy foods, like corn and grains, which have very high glycemic loads. It's basically corn with vitamin supplements ground up and added in. The problem is, grains and starches are not part of a squirrels natural diet, and they are actually about the worst things you can eat in terms of glycemic load. Yes, a bowl of cornflakes is worse than a candy bar! There have been quite a few discussions about rodent block among some of us, including the possibility of eliminating it from the Healthy Diet for Pet Squirrels. I'm currently trying to develop a homemade substitute that is: 1) nutritionally balanced; 2) easy to make at home; 3) as close to the natural squirrel diet as possible; 4) most of the nutrients come from food ingredients, not supplements; 5) low glycemic load, so that even diabetic squirrels can eat it; and 6) delicious, so they WILL eat it! And I believe I've found a solution.....:D
Another PS about rodent block - only one of my babies, Skipper Chipper, eats rodent block! He's also the baby with the low, low calcium level in his blood! and the bald one! Something to think about...
wheezer
05-31-2008, 10:50 AM
Wow what great information, especially about fruit and rodent chow:eek:
I have done some research on cat diets too because two of my older cats developed diabeties. The same problem with their food. For different reasons, cats bodies were made to digest primarily meat so the dry cat foods are very bad for them as with the rodent chow. There is one dry that I know of called EVO that is called and ancestral diet. High in protein and no grains.
That is a wonderful idea for 4Skwerlz to develope the perfect squirrel chow:thumbsup
Tumbelino is just the cutest little "black bear" squirrel I have ever seen.
I would love to see a pic of he and my Samantha together...beautiful black and silver:D
Great job Tomo:bowdown
island rehabber
05-31-2008, 10:53 AM
Fantastic info, tomo :thumbsup:bowdown. :thankyou
I am very much in agreement with you about fruits: after several years of giving them to my squirrels I have cut back drastically these past two years, with better results. First of all, no freakin' fruit flies :thumbsup ! Second of all, it seems that when the babies don't get spoiled with the sweet taste of fruit in the first place, they are more likely to chow down on their cauliflower and leafy greens. And we all know when our squirrels eat their veggies they are less likely to be begging for nuts all the time. Moses and Snooty barely eat any nuts and absolutely love their greens. The only fruits they ever get are grape tomatoes, once in a while.
Good point about rodent block....it's been a thorn in my side for years because I can never get my kids to eat it. I'm more than willing to make sure they get the nutrients they need from fresh produce, so I'm not going to sweat it anymore!
When we did the latest revision to the Healthy Diet, I made a lot of changes with an eye to possibly preventing diabetes. High glycemic load foods were virtually eliminated. For example, all the fruits on the list are those with the lowest glycemic loads. Glycemic load is an index of the total effect a food has on the body's blood glucose levels: how high they would rise, and also how FAST, which is crucial. There are also notes throughout indicating foods that are higher in carbs, sugars, or fat, for people who need to tailor their squirrel's diet. For a squirrel with confirmed diabetes, the diet would need to be even stricter, as Tomo as indicated; i.e., eliminating fruit altogether.
To be clear, there are two kinds of diabetes: Type 1 is really an autoimmune disease, where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Most people with Type 1 cannot live without injecting insulin. Type 2 usually develops gradually and is often associated with overweight, lack of activity, poor diet, and old age. Type 2 can sometimes be controlled with diet and lifestyle changes. Both Types need to watch their diet very carefully, but a healthy diet would not, theoretically, prevent Type 1 diabetes. However, proper diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise could theoretically prevent or slow development of Type 2 diabetes.
Tomo is also right about rodent block. Although rodent block contains a good balance of vitamins and minerals, it is based on some pretty unhealthy foods, like corn and grains, which have very high glycemic loads. It's basically corn with vitamin supplements ground up and added in. The problem is, grains and starches are not part of a squirrels natural diet, and they are actually about the worst things you can eat in terms of glycemic load. Yes, a bowl of cornflakes is worse than a candy bar! There have been quite a few discussions about rodent block among some of us, including the possibility of eliminating it from the Healthy Diet for Pet Squirrels. I'm currently trying to develop a homemade substitute that is: 1) nutritionally balanced; 2) easy to make at home; 3) as close to the natural squirrel diet as possible; 4) most of the nutrients come from food ingredients, not supplements; 5) low glycemic load, so that even diabetic squirrels can eat it; and 6) delicious, so they WILL eat it! And I believe I've found a solution.....:D
AMEN! 4skwerlz!! :thumbsup
All of that plus, Dr. P says that if there are ketones in the urine it's definitely Type 1 diabetes. Perhaps because Tumbelino's young, he can conquer this with diet. That plus we caught it early enough! I'm hoping we'll have conclusive data with which to base a study, however, I don't think we will ever know how or why Tumbelino has this condition.
Okay!! Just got the answer to squirrel blood sugar levels from Dr. P. This is what he said...
"Normal blood sugar level should be between 85 and 120.
There should not be any in the urine ever!"
So we are so close with Love Bug, Tumbelino! I am so very happy!!!
PS (yes another ps) I think body massage helps him a great deal to relieve stress and lower his blood sugar. Of course, I can't imagine what stress he has other than not getting his avocado and mommy not holding him every second of every day!! In that order as well!! :D
Mountain Mama
05-31-2008, 11:12 AM
When we did the latest revision to the Healthy Diet, I made a lot of changes with an eye to possibly preventing diabetes. High glycemic load foods were virtually eliminated. For example, all the fruits on the list are those with the lowest glycemic loads. Glycemic load is an index of the total effect a food has on the body's blood glucose levels: how high they would rise, and also how FAST, which is crucial. There are also notes throughout indicating foods that are higher in carbs, sugars, or fat, for people who need to tailor their squirrel's diet. For a squirrel with confirmed diabetes, the diet would need to be even stricter, as Tomo as indicated; i.e., eliminating fruit altogether.
To be clear, there are two kinds of diabetes: Type 1 is really an autoimmune disease, where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Most people with Type 1 cannot live without injecting insulin. Type 2 usually develops gradually and is often associated with overweight, lack of activity, poor diet, and old age. Type 2 can sometimes be controlled with diet and lifestyle changes. Both Types need to watch their diet very carefully, but a healthy diet would not, theoretically, prevent Type 1 diabetes. However, proper diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise could theoretically prevent or slow development of Type 2 diabetes.
Tomo is also right about rodent block. Although rodent block contains a good balance of vitamins and minerals, it is based on some pretty unhealthy foods, like corn and grains, which have very high glycemic loads. It's basically corn with vitamin supplements ground up and added in. The problem is, grains and starches are not part of a squirrels natural diet, and they are actually about the worst things you can eat in terms of glycemic load. Yes, a bowl of cornflakes is worse than a candy bar! There have been quite a few discussions about rodent block among some of us, including the possibility of eliminating it from the Healthy Diet for Pet Squirrels. I'm currently trying to develop a homemade substitute that is: 1) nutritionally balanced; 2) easy to make at home; 3) as close to the natural squirrel diet as possible; 4) most of the nutrients come from food ingredients, not supplements; 5) low glycemic load, so that even diabetic squirrels can eat it; and 6) delicious, so they WILL eat it! And I believe I've found a solution.....:D
Lots of great information, 4S. You have put so much time into your research.
I didn't know squirrels could get Type I diabetes...that really surprises me. In humans, a T1 CANNOT live without insulin, and it CANNOT be controlled by diet/exercise alone. There is no option but lifetime insulin, but following a proper diet and exercise regimine is essential. And it is ALWAYS autoimmune in humans, no theoretical about it...diet has nothing to do with it. You can also spill ketones in the urine with Type II diabetes in humans.
4S, do you have a link with the diabetes information in squirrels? I would love to see the criteria and see the difference between that and humans.
luvs squirrels
05-31-2008, 11:20 AM
So much wonderful information here! I am so happy things are looking up for that sweetie.
:Love_Icon
4skwerlz
05-31-2008, 11:20 AM
AMEN! 4skwerlz!! :thumbsup
All of that plus, Dr. P says that if there are ketones in the urine it's definitely Type 1 diabetes. Perhaps because Tumbelino's young, he can conquer this with diet. That plus we caught it early enough! I'm hoping we'll have conclusive data with which to base a study, however, I don't think we will ever know how or why Tumbelino has this condition.
Yes the ketones do point to Type 1. You take in food, which is turned into glucose, which circulates through the bloodstream to feed the cells. But the body needs insulin to utilize this glucose. Without enough insulin to break down the glucose, blood sugar rises. The body then attempts to get rid of this extra glucose by excreting it in the urine. And ironically, even with all that glucose in the blood, without insulin your body can't USE it, so the cells actually begin to starve. The body realizes it is starving and starts breaking down your bodily tissues to try to stay alive. A byproduct of this tissue breakdown is ketones.
The puzzling thing (to me) about Tumbelino's case, is his sudden weight gain. Usually Type 1 presents with weight loss, due to the body breaking down its own tissues. Type 2 has a very different mechanism and is often associated with being overweight. Of course, all of this is in humans. Who knows with squirrels?
Bottom line is, Tumbelino's Type 1 diabetes was likely not caused by his diet.
4skwerlz
05-31-2008, 11:34 AM
4S, do you have a link with the diabetes information in squirrels? I would love to see the criteria and see the difference between that and humans.
Sure, it's http://thesquirrelboard.com. :D
As usual, very little info or research specifically on squirrels, that I can find. But since the mechanisms of disease appear to be the same in various mammals (dogs, cats, rats, humans, etc.) there's no reason (so far) to believe there are any important differences in squirrels. (I have no doubt we will one day find out that this is wrong, however, squirrels being the strange, unique little critters that they are. :D) I'm assuming Tomo's vet either has access to a collection of glucose level readings from a lot of squirrels, or he is using the rat model. In either case, the levels are about the same.
4skwerlz
05-31-2008, 11:47 AM
You can also spill ketones in the urine with Type II diabetes in humans.
True, some Type 2s lose some of their ability to produce insulin and can spill ketones. Tumbelino's ketone level was 80 via home test; his blood sugar was astronomical. I assume this combo led to the vet's diagnosis. I'd like to know more.
I keep forgetting what you do for a living, MM.:D I was just trying to spell it out a bit for all of us, since this subject ties in with my own little project: squirrel diet. Any info you can add would help a lot. :bowdown
True, some Type 2s lose some of their ability to produce insulin and can spill ketones. Tumbelino's ketone level was 80 via home test; his blood sugar was astronomical. I assume this combo led to the vet's diagnosis. I'd like to know more.
I keep forgetting what you do for a living, MM.:D I was just trying to spell it out a bit for all of us, since this subject ties in with my own little project: squirrel diet. Any info you can add would help a lot. :bowdown
Actually, the vet's diagnosis came solely from Tumbelino's first blood test. We wanted to run blood work on what we felt were normal squirrels so we could have a benchmark for future squirrel situations and we used Nicholas and Tumbelino. I was also curious because Tumbelino's "over-night" weight gain and Nicholas's weight loss when he had always been quite robust. The glucose/ketone strip testing came the day after we received the the blood test results, and only after because the results came in when everything was closed where we live and the next day was the soonest I could purchase the strips. However, the diet change was immediate!!
We are amazed that Tumbelino shows no signs of diabetes other than weight gain - no excess water drinking or urination, no lethargy, nothing. Even now as I write this, he's in the bottom of his indoor enclosure, on his back, attaching an oak branch and having a blast!
Yes the ketones do point to Type 1. You take in food, which is turned into glucose, which circulates through the bloodstream to feed the cells. But the body needs insulin to utilize this glucose. Without enough insulin to break down the glucose, blood sugar rises. The body then attempts to get rid of this extra glucose by excreting it in the urine. And ironically, even with all that glucose in the blood, without insulin your body can't USE it, so the cells actually begin to starve. The body realizes it is starving and starts breaking down your bodily tissues to try to stay alive. A byproduct of this tissue breakdown is ketones.
The puzzling thing (to me) about Tumbelino's case, is his sudden weight gain. Usually Type 1 presents with weight loss, due to the body breaking down its own tissues. Type 2 has a very different mechanism and is often associated with being overweight. Of course, all of this is in humans. Who knows with squirrels?
Bottom line is, Tumbelino's Type 1 diabetes was likely not caused by his diet.
I don't think we will ever know what has caused Tumbelino's diabetes, be it actually Type 1 or 2. I don't believe there is actually enough data out there for us to tell, but I do believe that what we experience with Tumbelino will break myths about diabetes in general. We only know what we repeatedly see in person, however, we do not know all the cases that go untreated, human and animal alike. It may be that young squirrel bodies have the ability to take control of diabetes and stop it on their own, and maybe not.
I do believe that any captive squirrel will have something odd in their blood work. Let's face it, they are in captivity because they would have otherwise perished on their own. Replicating a wild diet is nearly impossible because we are not squirrels. We only know what we see them doing, not what they do when we are not around. But we try our best and, hopefully, learn from each other to help our current and future babies! :)
Bottom line is, Tumbelino's Type 1 diabetes was likely not caused by his diet.
Goodness sake! I better not let Tumbelino see this, he'll want an entire ear of corn, an avocado, and a sweet potato all to himself!! :D
4skwerlz
05-31-2008, 02:16 PM
Goodness sake! I better not let Tumbelino see this, he'll want an entire ear of corn, an avocado, and a sweet potato all to himself!! :D
Sorry Mr. Tumbelino, T1 may be caused by genetic or other factors, but the end result (not enough insulin-producing cells) means he'll have to watch his diet for the rest of his life....
Don't feel bad, sweet boy; remind your mommy that pecans have a glycemic load of ZERO.
4skwerlz
05-31-2008, 02:24 PM
We are amazed that Tumbelino shows no signs of diabetes other than weight gain - no excess water drinking or urination, no lethargy, nothing. Even now as I write this, he's in the bottom of his indoor enclosure, on his back, attaching an oak branch and having a blast!
Yes, that IS amazing. Having said that the disease is believed to be similar in most mammals, Tumbelino's case certainly appears to differ clinically. For one thing, his sudden weight gain, when T1 usually presents with weight loss. Also like you mentioned, no excessive thirst/urination. The biggest difference (to me) is that a human with his labs would have been very very sick indeed, and Mr. Tumbelino always seemed to feel fine! thank goodness!
We need some more labs on some pet squirrels.....
Yes, that IS amazing. Having said that the disease is believed to be similar in most mammals, Tumbelino's case certainly appears to differ clinically. For one thing, his sudden weight gain, when T1 usually presents with weight loss. Also like you mentioned, no excessive thirst/urination. The biggest difference (to me) is that a human with his labs would have been very very sick indeed, and Mr. Tumbelino always seemed to feel fine! thank goodness!
We need some more labs on some pet squirrels.....
He is the miracle baby boy! And, we are gathering additional blood tests from pet squirrels for comparison. We have at least one wild squirrel lab as well. Hopefully, we will find a benchmark for further study and aiding babies.
4skwerlz
05-31-2008, 04:11 PM
He is the miracle baby boy! And, we are gathering additional blood tests from pet squirrels for comparison. We have at least one wild squirrel lab as well. Hopefully, we will find a benchmark for further study and aiding babies.
:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup
Please let us know what you find out!
:bowdown :bowdown :bowdown
Mountain Mama
05-31-2008, 11:59 PM
Tomo, are you sure the vet said it had to be T1 diabetes? In humans, T1 can ONLY be controlled with insulin...there's just no way around it. The onset of T1`usually does present as weight loss, excessive thrist, and excessive hunger, and excessive urination. Even if he was spilling ketones in his urine, that shouldn't make a positive diagnosis of T1. (There are other things besides diabetes that can cause you to have ketones in your urine, too.) T2 presentation is usually more insidious; some patients may be surprised to find out that they even have diabetes.
4S, I'm a nurse practitioner.:)
Tomo, are you sure the vet said it had to be T1 diabetes? In humans, T1 can ONLY be controlled with insulin...there's just no way around it. The onset of T1`usually does present as weight loss, excessive thrist, and excessive hunger, and excessive urination. Even if he was spilling ketones in his urine, that shouldn't make a positive diagnosis of T1. (There are other things besides diabetes that can cause you to have ketones in your urine, too.) T2 presentation is usually more insidious; some patients may be surprised to find out that they even have diabetes.
4S, I'm a nurse practitioner.:)
Hi Mountainmama,
What Tumbelino's vet, Dr. P, said is that in studies on animals, if there are ketones in the urine as well as high glucose, then all things point to Type 1. He also realizes that squirrels are very different than humans in many ways, yet somehow still the same. I think from the other blood test results, diabetes was the most likely cause of his weigh gain.
He did site a case of a ferret that had Type 1 and needed insulin for only a few months. The diabetes vanished and never came back. We are also wondering about Nicholas Jekyll and Skinny Tail, who both were so round they were elliptical! But both of them lost weight. It is a possibility that they went through some sort of diabetic phase. I know all of the signs don't point to Type 1. The vet said that Type 2 in animals usually doesn't have ketones in the urine. But who really knows everything about this condition? We only know what we have repeatedly seen and studied.
On the opposite side of that coin, is a human doctor we will call Dr. Marc. He took control of his father's Type 1 diabetes via diet and herbs. When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it has been my experience that depending on how far it appears to be advanced, you have time to try to control it with diet. Dr. Marc took 60 days and changed his father's diet including some of the herbs that I am giving to Tumbelino. His father's diabetes stemmed from toxins and bacteria in the body. Once those where cleared, his father's blood sugar came down to "normal", and the diet change aided and helped keep it down.
Personally, back in March, Tumbelino was eating huge amounts of cauliflower. Then one night he blew up as if he had gas and I massaged him for the longest time while he just laid on my palm with his little arms and leggies hanging over the sides (along with his new big bellie). That was the first time I noticed that he felt heavy. Mind you, I hold him all the time and almost every night before he goes to bed. I think he got a bad piece of cauliflower. Maybe there was a live parasite on it and it effected him. Not traditional, I know, but parasites do effect the immune system. Needless to say, I think he agrees, because only just recently has he started eating small bits of cauliflower! I'm not a doctor, but I'll tell you, I've had pets for 24 years and every time I drew a hypothesis, it was right! Every time the doctor listened to me about what to do in conjunction with their treatment, it was right! We know our own kids best. We are mother's and father's to these babies and we know when something just isn't right even if we don't know the exact cause. Thank God, Dr. P is open minded and has the patient's best interest at heart! He's open to try everything that will work.
Dr. P is happy with the change in blood sugar going down 200 points! He insisted I keep Tumbelino on the herb mix because he feels it has contributed positively to this lower level. My thoughts were that even if it weren't a toxin, bacterium, or parasite, herbs cleansing his body and blood wouldn't hurt! And as we can see, it has helped tremendously!!
As I think we all know, this will be a surprising learning experience for us all!!
Sciurus1
06-01-2008, 01:20 PM
I would have his kidneys and liver functions checked to see if they are normal or not. Also have his Thyroid checked which if off does cause weight gain. Great news about the blood sugar reduction!!:multi
I would have his kidneys and liver functions checked to see if they are normal or not. Also have his Thyroid checked which if off does cause weight gain.
Thanks for the suggestion. We did a full blood workup the first time and all seemed okay with his kidneys, liver and thyroid - nothing significantly wrong. However, there are no true squirrel thyroid values. If there were, we may have found something with my Baby Tomo that didn't show in other tests. There were a few levels that were a bit off, but they are supposedly off in juvenile squirrels.
We will be doing additional blood work on Tumbelino, just not every 2 weeks. Maybe once a month for a short while. Especially once his blood sugar gets back to normal. Then I will be curious to see if any of his other values have changed.
Sciurus1
06-01-2008, 01:32 PM
Sounds like he is in VERY GOOD HANDS!! :thumbsup
Mountain Mama
06-01-2008, 07:15 PM
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it has been my experience that depending on how far it appears to be advanced, you have time to try to control it with diet.
Just for clarities sake, ONLY in Type 2 (in humans) do you have any time at all to play with, depending on how high your blood sugar is. Are you sure Dr. Marc's father had Type 1? Type 1 is typically diagnosed in people under 20 years of age. I have researched all the literature, and can't find any data showing that diet--or anything else--can reverse the dead islet cells in the pancreas. Do you know how old Dr. Marc's father was when he was diagnosed? Ok, I'm threadjacking...sorry.
But thank you so much for the information about squirrel diabetes. I am glad to know, but I will bet Jasper won't be as happy to know, that I really need to pay closer attention to his diet.
Dang, and I just made 2 new batches of critter scones, too.
I hope you guys will keep this thread going. Best wishes for those beautiful babies, Tomo.
Feeze
06-01-2008, 08:19 PM
Wow! I've just caught up with this thread! Lots of good information on here. I've been wondering what is good and not-good for squirrels, as I'm trying to regulate the diets of our squirrels on campus. This thread has really helped me to see the effect of an improper diet. Thanks for the info 4S and Tomo! It really helps!:thumbsup
Just for clarities sake, ONLY in Type 2 (in humans) do you have any time at all to play with, depending on how high your blood sugar is. Are you sure Dr. Marc's father had Type 1? Type 1 is typically diagnosed in people under 20 years of age. I have researched all the literature, and can't find any data showing that diet--or anything else--can reverse the dead islet cells in the pancreas. Do you know how old Dr. Marc's father was when he was diagnosed? Ok, I'm threadjacking...sorry.
But thank you so much for the information about squirrel diabetes. I am glad to know, but I will bet Jasper won't be as happy to know, that I really need to pay closer attention to his diet.
Dang, and I just made 2 new batches of critter scones, too.
I hope you guys will keep this thread going. Best wishes for those beautiful babies, Tomo.
I know, it's very odd. Of course, I don't know what his prior health history was, or how far along he was. I've know him for 10 years and the strangest thing is that my pup Kuma started barking at him about 1 1/2 years before he had a small episode that was going to lead to a stroke. Now that he's in better health, she no longer barks at him. Believe it or not, Dr. Marc's father was about 81 years old when they found out, he just turned 84 this year!
It's strange that our bodies are so complex. All of the illnesses, diseases, and conditions we know about are treated in conventional ways, but there are other ways to attack them.
I hope Jasper won't be too shocked with a diet change. Tumbelino's actually doing well, but more than even avocado's, he loves to run in his enclosure and jump all over his mother!
By-the-way, what is your recipe for critter scones? Maybe it could be changed to be low sugar/carb! :)
LynninIN
06-01-2008, 10:05 PM
Tomo, I'm so glad you are doing all this research on squirrel diabetes. It's very much needed. Great news that Tumbelino is improving. :alright.gif
Type 1 & 2 are jumbled up all the time. Type 2 diabetes can also require insulin but with lifestyle modification and diet changes it's possible to stop it later. A type 1 human diabetic would never be able to stop insulin.
:thankyou LynninIN! I think in the future, there will be many anomalies found with many diseases. I think diabetes will be one of the first ones.
You're right about the insulin. That's why I'll do whatever it takes for him not to go on it!
Little Tumbelino :Love_Icon had his blood sugar checked yesterday along with his ketones. His blood sugar was up a few points, nothing significant, but we figure this was because he had eaten breakfast 1.5 hours before the test, where as in his previous test, it had been hours since he had eaten breakfast. However, his ketones were lower by half again! :wahoo
Hopefully, next check they will both be lower still!
:alright.gif Great new I am so glad to hear the little guy is doing better.:wahoo big Hugs to you and him:grouphug In my prayers God Bless:)
Mountain Mama
06-14-2008, 11:29 PM
Tomo, does your vet measure something in Tumbly's blood called a HbA1c?
Give him a nuzzle for me.
luvs squirrels
06-15-2008, 05:51 PM
I pray he continues to do well. Good news.
:Love_Icon
Tomo, does your vet measure something in Tumbly's blood called a HbA1c?
Give him a nuzzle for me.
I'm not certain. I'll have to check, but what is HbA1c?
GoldenEyes
06-16-2008, 04:15 PM
Tomo, here is a definition of HbA1c:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003640.htm
HbA1c is a test that measures the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin in your blood. Glycosylated hemoglobin is a molecule in red blood cells that attaches to glucose (blood sugar). You have more glycosylated hemoglobin if you have more glucose in your blood.
The test gives a good estimate of how well diabetes is being managed over the last 2 or 3 months.
Mountain Mama
06-16-2008, 05:39 PM
Thank you, Golden Eyes. Sorry I didn't get to answer, Tomo. My internet was down for over 12 hours yesterday/last night and I was only able to access TSB via my Blackberry to check for PM's.
TSB withdrawal is a miserable thing, I'm telling ya!
I check a HbA1c on my patients every 3 months, as it gives me more of an "average" of what their blood sugar has been.
Tumbelino has had only one full blood test to date and at that time we did not know about his high glucose level. I am certain that his doctor will run this and any other tests necessary the next time he draws blood. The last two tests have been quick prick tests with a glucose meter.
Thanks for informing me about it. I'll be sure to check on this on his next major blood test.
GoldenEyes
06-16-2008, 10:23 PM
Do you think it's possible that Tumbelino might have a heart problem that might be the underlying cause of his diabetes?
Mountain Mama
06-16-2008, 10:28 PM
GE, it works the other way around. Diabetes affects many organs in the body, and the heart is one of the target organs. But that usually happens after years of poorly controlled blood sugars, so don't panic, Tomo.:)
GoldenEyes
06-16-2008, 10:49 PM
Thank you, mountainmama.:) Even if lower metabolism due to heart problems necessitates an increase in exercise and change in diet to counter weight gain, which might aggravate the diabetes?
Mountain Mama
06-16-2008, 11:05 PM
I'm following your logic, GE. Good thinking.
Diabetes isn't caused as a direct result of a bad heart. Indirectly, you can say that if you have a bad heart, you don't exercise as much, have a more sedentary lifestyle, and a slower metabolism, which can cause weight gain and may lead to type 2 diabetes.
However, that only applies to type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, where the body essentially attacks itself.
Your thought processes remind me of me. :) That sounds exactly like the kind of question I would ask one of my professors in college.
GoldenEyes
06-16-2008, 11:32 PM
I have also noticed a correlation between the health of a squirrel and the appearance of their neck and feet.
If you look at the squirrel's neck, I feel there are telltale signs of poor health if it looks like the perimeter of the neck sticks out.
In terms of the appearance of their feet, take, for example, a person with athlete's foot. Some people with this problem are told to use creams, powders and sprays to rid of the odors from their feet because there is a belief that it is caused by sweat and bacteria. What most of those people with the problem tend to overlook is that the problem might stem from the fact that they have a serious case of diabetes, poor eating and sleeping habits, and/or little to no exercise, and to get rid of the "athlete's foot" requires a lifestyle change instead of feet medications.
I feel that making observations of squirrels' feet are just as important. I have noticed over the years from observations of Wildlife that the squirrels with flat, thin, gray to light pink toes and pads are healthier than those squirrels with plump, swollen-looking toes and pads, with toes resembling mini cherry tomatoes, and the colors of the toes and pads ranging from gray to deep red. Some causes for these unhealthy looking feet are poor diet, overeating, and/or not enough exercise for that particular squirrel.
Having this type of unhealthy looking feet also interferes with the kind of grip they have when walking, running, hopping, and climbing, because it does not allow for a firm grip and may prove to be a huge disadvantage when they are chasing other squirrels or being chased. One false move and they may fall off the tree head first.
If given the choice, most squirrels would tend to choose nuts over vegetables and fruit, and this could result in poor diet, especially for those squirrels who live indoors to 50/50 indoors/outdoors most of the time, for they do not get the same amount of exercise as a 100% outdoor squirrel.
Pecans and walnuts seem to be the culprits as well as fatty foods such as cheese and avocado. Even though pecans and walnuts may be a good source of protein, I feel they should be removed from the diet along with the cheese and avocado for squirrels with medical problems, especially during the Spring, Summer, and Autumn months when the days are warmer to prevent excessive amounts of fat from being stored in their bodies and, instead, a different, healthier source of protein should be introduced.
The control group which ate mostly pecans (aka "pecan junkies" group) developed the red, round, mini cherry tomato-like toes, and after exposure to the Summer Sun and heat, they also started getting sores around their bodies.
Also noticed the squirrels who ate a combination of pecans and walnuts were unable to tolerate the heat as well as the others. The oils in the nuts were probably causing their bodies to cook from the inside. Weaned off pecans and walnuts.
Exercise does not have to be in an aggressive form but consistency and duration matters.
Unlike outdoors squirrels, the indoor squirrels, for the most part, never go hungry, so it's important to keep in mind that we shouldn't overfeed them. With indoor squirrels, you have an advantage over outdoor squirrels because you have control over what foods they have access to and this will allow you to eliminate the foods that they shouldn't be having even if they want it badly.
When the squirrels are babies, people keep track of their weight so they know how much formula to administer because their bodies are still growing. When the babies grow older and wean from the formula and start eating other combinations of foods, I think we need to keep in mind that squirrels have voracious appetites, which means they will keep eating as much as you feed them, so it's important to maintain strict portions even for adult squirrels as we have when they were babies.
If you keep feeding an adult squirrel and they continue to gain more weight because of it, you are expanding their stomachs so they will feel even hungrier next time and will eat even more. Therefore, it is important to maintain a consistently healthy weight for adult squirrels. If the squirrel continues to be overweight or obese, it will only lead to more medical problems down the road just like in humans. It would be helpful to get a consensus as to what the healthy weight of an adult squirrel should be.
I think one of the best ways to tell whether a squirrel is overweight is by looking at the average squirrel tail's length and width. One of the main reasons why they have such a bushy tail is to act as a shield from predators. Most outdoor squirrels who fend for themselves have bodies that are thinner than the length and width of their tails, and this is one of the things that ensures their survival when they are under attack in the Wild.
GE, it works the other way around. Diabetes affects many organs in the body, and the heart is one of the target organs. But that usually happens after years of poorly controlled blood sugars, so don't panic, Tomo.:)
I'm certainly not panicking. I trust Dr. P will consider all possibilities. However, if Tumbelino is suffering from heart issues it's a broken heart from not being allowed to eat corn or sweet potato!
Sciurus1
06-18-2008, 01:10 AM
Yes, they say you are what you eat; perhaps that is why he has a slight resemblance to a sweet potato, bless his heart! :crazy
Yes, they say you are what you eat; perhaps that is why he has a slight resemblance to a sweet potato, bless his heart! :crazy
True! A sweet potato and an avocado! Here are a couple of photos of my little Love Bug, Tumbelino :Love_Icon - 1 eating a piece of avocado and 2 sleeping. He's just so scrunchable and munchable!!
Well, today Tumblino went in for his routine blood glucose test and we received perfect news. His blood sugar is currently 75!!! :jump I can't believe it's down. I asked the doctor to check it again and I know he will just to make certain. But what a relief. We aren't certain if it was the herbs or just a stage he lived through. His diet was always healthy and the small changes I made weren't enough to effect it this drastically.
So we are oh so very proud and happy! Here's a photo of my Little Love Bug eating some fresh rose hips!!
luvs squirrels
07-25-2008, 08:25 PM
That is fantastic news.
:multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :wahoo :wahoo
Kathy56
07-25-2008, 08:35 PM
:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup
island rehabber
07-25-2008, 08:49 PM
:wott:wott:grouphug
tatcat
07-25-2008, 09:12 PM
:wott :jump :wahoo
:wahoo :wahoo :thumbsup :wahoo :wahoo
:wahoo Yes Great News:alright.gif I am so happy to hear this:D and what a darling he is so cute.:grouphug
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.2 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.