1st Curve Procedure

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Denise & Honey

Denise & Honey

Member Since 2012
Honey has been on Lantus for 4 days (5 really but not counting the 1st as the vet advised 1 shot per 24 hrs :evil: ).
Her pre-test numbers are still in 300s but seem to be gradually coming down. How much she eats in the time inbetween seems to be a big factor.
She eats a lot, actually, 15 oz yesterday!

I was thinking of doing the first curve on Monday as we're out most of the weekend and, if we all are here, she gets very stressed with the kids, testing and shots.

Curve questions:
how often do I test?
feeding - should I feed on a schedule and a set amount for the next few days and during the curve? At the moment, I'm just feeding on demand.


Also, a shot question. As we may be back later than her regular shot time, I've been pushing back the time a little each day to compensate. But, due to previously mentioned kids issue, I'd prefer early morning, ie. before they get up.
What happens if I didn't do this time push back? Any major issues apart from her going an hour or 2 longer without insulin and having to move the next shot time a little?

Previous Condo
 
The standard is to take a BG every two hours.

You want the cat to eat like they eat everyday. I would record what and when the cat eats to allow comparison with future curves/BGs.
Yes, how much and what a cat eats effect the BG.
 
Thanks.

Does it matter if she eats in the time before the test?
I've been trying to test her before she eats but that's more difficult with 2 hour testing. Should I test, feed, take away food for 2 hours and then test or just let her eat as normal even if its close to testing time?
 
There's info about a Lantus curve here about mid-page: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=18139

Denise & Honey said:
Thanks.

Does it matter if she eats in the time before the test? I've been trying to test her before she eats but that's more difficult with 2 hour testing. Should I test, feed, take away food for 2 hours and then test or just let her eat as normal even if its close to testing time?[/quote

To get a PS (AM or PM), the typical routine is test/shoot/feed. Most people find that their cat is less likely to notice the bg test and insulin shot while they are distracted with food. Feeding a few minutes before getting the bg test and giivng insulin won't affect bgs, IMO. Just be sure not to feed 2 hours prior to the PS becuse the food will influence the bg.

Stick to your normal daily routine on curve days to minimize a cat who is stressed out with a change in scheduling.

Testing every 2 hours is ideal but oftentimes you just can't do that (cranky hiding cat, family issues, etc). So just try to get 4 or 5 tests spread throughout the day, aiming to get one test around 6 hours after the insulin.

Since you've only been using Lantus for 4 days, it's too early to do a curve, IMO. Lantus needs at least a fewy days to "build a shed" http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=150 A curve now won't show much of anything. A few random daily bg tests now is fine. Maybe in a week or so, try a curve.

Just my two cents :smile:
Click to expand...
 
Thanks to both.

Since you've only been using Lantus for 4 days, it's too early to do a curve, IMO. Lantus needs at least a fewy days to "build a shed" http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=150 A curve now won't show much of anything. A few random daily bg tests now is fine. Maybe in a week or so, try a curve.
Click to expand...

I guess it makes sense to wait a while longer for the curve - I'm just eager to see whether the levels should be adjusted.
But if its too early, then I think you're saying that the results will be skewed and pointless.

Maybe next Friday would be the day to aim for.
 
Hi Denise,

I don't use your insulin, but I can say that ANY tests are - in my experience - helpful. :smile:

Any tests you can do prior to doing the 'curve' that can get your cat (and you!) accustomed to the testing process will be useful practice (as long as neither of you gets stressed out by doing that). Doing a test prior to giving an insulin shot is, of course, essential in order to keep your cat safe. But any other tests done between the shot and the insulin peak (lowest BG, usually 5 or 6 hours later) give really helpful info. In my experience you just can't have too much information. ;-)
 
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