Confirming bg level

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Katie, breathe. It is early on in this sugar dance for both of you. His numbers will fluctuate. It takes a while to get them regulated. You can't be upping the dose and adding insulin earlier than 12 hours. Your job now is to collect data so you can start to see patterns and adjust the dose over several cycles. One high number isn't a big deal; it's just one number.


Regulation ranges from the mid 200s at preshot to 100s or so at midcycle. Regulation is your first goal BUT you don't get there in a week or sometimes even in a month. He didn't become a diabetic overnight; he won't get in great numbers overnight.

You are testing him - you can keep him in safe ranges. Get a before bed test and as long as he isn't dropping down too low too fast, go to bed. Tomorrow, don't shoot under 200. Come on and ask advice for the dose.

And Katie, keep all your questions on one thread so we don't lose track of you. If you ask questions, they'll get answered even if they are all on one thread.
 
Katie, breathe. It is early on in this sugar dance for both of you. His numbers will fluctuate. It takes a while to get them regulated. You can't be upping the dose and adding insulin earlier than 12 hours. Your job now is to collect data so you can start to see patterns and adjust the dose over several cycles. One high number isn't a big deal; it's just one number.


Regulation ranges from the mid 200s at preshot to 100s or so at midcycle. Regulation is your first goal BUT you don't get there in a week or sometimes even in a month. He didn't become a diabetic overnight; he won't get in great numbers overnight.

You are testing him - you can keep him in safe ranges. Get a before bed test and as long as he isn't dropping down too low too fast, go to bed. Tomorrow, don't shoot under 200. Come on and ask advice for the dose.

And Katie, keep all your questions on one thread so we don't lose track of you. If you ask questions, they'll get answered even if they are all on one thread.
I thought I was. How can I ask a new question on an old thread without going thru all the previous answers? I just want to know what the range is? I was told a few different numbers. Is it 80 -120?
 
You want him regulated first so you aim for mid 200s at preshot and 100s or lower at midcycle, but not below 50.

Stay on one thread. Each time you go to that thread, hit the button "Go to First Unread" at the top left hand side. That'll take you to the first post you haven't read.
 
You want him regulated first so you aim for mid 200s at preshot and 100s or lower at midcycle, but not below 50.

Stay on one thread. Each time you go to that thread, hit the button "Go to First Unread" at the top left hand side. That'll take you to the first post you haven't read.
Ok....I didn't see that. Thank you so much!
 
Can we get you started using our grid to record your glucose tests? It will help us give you better feedback. Instructions are here.

Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning, pre-shot, test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening, pre-shot, test)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

The nadir is the lowest glucose between shots. There is a general period when it will happen which is specific to the insulin being used and testing then helps make sure your cat doesn't go too low.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.
 
Can we get you started using our grid to record your glucose tests? It will help us give you better feedback. Instructions are here.

Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning, pre-shot, test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening, pre-shot, test)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

The nadir is the lowest glucose between shots. There is a general period when it will happen which is specific to the insulin being used and testing then helps make sure your cat doesn't go too low.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.
I didn't click on the HERE yet...have 2 questions. Why is before bed +3? And what's the second set of columns +1 thru +11? I will do it on my tablet. I've been doing all of my corresponding on my phone, since it's always with me.
 
I didn't click on the HERE yet...have 2 questions. Why is before bed +3? And what's the second set of columns +1 thru +11? I will do it on my tablet. I've been doing all of my corresponding on my phone, since it's always with me.
And THANK YOU!!! YOU'RE HIS GUARDIAN ANGEL!!
 
And what's the second set of columns +1 thru +11?

The + cells coordinate with the number of hours since the last shot....so if you shoot at 6am and you get another test at 9am, that's +3...if you get a test in at 2pm, that's +8......it's however many hours since the last shot.

There are 12 hours in each cycle, so you start at the AMPS and then go through +11....then it's time for the PMPS and it starts over

Why is before bed +3?

It's not....that's just the example used.....what it means is that on that PM dose, you want to always get a "before bed" test in to make sure it's safe to go to sleep....It doesn't matter what time it is when you get it
 
The + cells coordinate with the number of hours since the last shot....so if you shoot at 6am and you get another test at 9am, that's +3...if you get a test in at 2pm, that's +8......it's however many hours since the last shot.

There are 12 hours in each cycle, so you start at the AMPS and then go through +11....then it's time for the PMPS and it starts over



It's not....that's just the example used.....what it means is that on that PM dose, you want to always get a "before bed" test in to make sure it's safe to go to sleep....It doesn't matter what time it is when you get it
319 at 2:15am!!! I gave him his 2 units, what to do???
 
I'm off to bed too but saw your post

319 is pretty high so he has a long way to go to be in any danger....When did you give the 2 units?

If you didn't just give insulin, what was his blood glucose when you did give the 2 units?.....and how long has it been since you gave it?

This is why we really need to get you using our spreadsheet...It's impossible to give you any good feedback without knowing a lot more about what's going on
 
I'm off to bed too but saw your post

319 is pretty high so he has a long way to go to be in any danger....When did you give the 2 units?

If you didn't just give insulin, what was his blood glucose when you did give the 2 units?.....and how long has it been since you gave it?

This is why we really need to get you using our spreadsheet...It's impossible to give you any good feedback without knowing a lot more about what's going on
2 units at 10:15...it was 369 pre fed. After eating and insulin, it's been 4 hours and it only went down to 319! I can't sleep now. Took 4 mgs of Xanax I'm so worried. I'm hoping and praying maybe this PZI is slow to lower the bg level. I'm scared. Should I give another unit or just wait til morning?
 
2 units at 10:15...it was 369 pre fed. After eating and insulin, it's been 4 hours and it only went down to 319! I can't sleep now. Took 4 mgs of Xanax I'm so worried. I'm hoping and praying maybe this PZI is slow to lower the bg level. I'm scared. Should I give another unit or just wait til morning?
I will do the SS...tomorrow. I'm too upset.
 
Katie, do not panic. It's going to be okay.

Okay, it looks like Kirby didn't drop too far at +4. That's fine. He was in perfectly safe numbers so I would have felt totally comfortable going to sleep if I was you. Low numbers (under 50) are what cause some concern around here.

I know those first few days after diagnosis are always upsetting. But you are doing fine. You're home testing, ou've got a good insulin, and we are here for any questions you have. Kirby is perfectly safe for now. Remember to BREATHE.
 
Katie, do not panic. It's going to be okay.

Okay, it looks like Kirby didn't drop too far at +4. That's fine. He was in perfectly safe numbers so I would have felt totally comfortable going to sleep if I was you. Low numbers (under 50) are what cause some concern around here.

I know those first few days after diagnosis are always upsetting. But you are doing fine. You're home testing, ou've got a good insulin, and we are here for any questions you have. Kirby is perfectly safe for now. Remember to BREATHE.
Thank you! But his number this morning is 417!!! Wtf???? I gave him his insulin and it came out. I could feel it, smell it and see it. So I tried again. I'll retest in a little bit.
 
Hi Katie ~ There is no doubt about it that dealing with the FD is very overwhelming at first but it is a very treatable disease. First and foremost, we care givers have to stay calm and not let the numbers unravel us. Our kitties pick up on our stress. So take a deep breath and read all you can from the stickies in the ProZinc forum and keep asking questions.

One thing that is NOT good to do, is to give another shot after you think you gave a fur shot as their is NO way of knowing if any got into them. There were times that I thought I did a fur shot and when the cycle played out, his numbers were lower and thank God I didn't give more. We have a saying here" Better to be high for a day than to be too low for a moment" So, please don't ever give two shots again no matter what the number is on the meter.

It would help us to help you if you could get the SS up and going and a signature with all pertinent information on it like what insulin, date of DX, what meter you use, food you feed etc. Keep asking questions, we are here for you.
 
Hi Katie ~ There is no doubt about it that dealing with the FD is very overwhelming at first but it is a very treatable disease. First and foremost, we care givers have to stay calm and not let the numbers unravel us. Our kitties pick up on our stress. So take a deep breath and read all you can from the stickies in the ProZinc forum and keep asking questions.

One thing that is NOT good to do, is to give another shot after you think you gave a fur shot as their is NO way of knowing if any got into them. There were times that I thought I did a fur shot and when the cycle played out, his numbers were lower and thank God I didn't give more. We have a saying here" Better to be high for a day than to be too low for a moment" So, please don't ever give two shots again no matter what the number is on the meter.

It would help us to help you if you could get the SS up and going and a signature with all pertinent information on it like what insulin, date of DX, what meter you use, food you feed etc. Keep asking questions, we are here for you.
Thank you, Bobby and Bubba. I'm sorry I panicked...I will be with Kirby all day. I don't know when the insulin is at it's full effect (PZI)...but I'm going to check his sugar right now... I'll get right back to you. I have a brain injury which affects my short term memory. But I'll remember Bobby and Bubba!!!
 
Thank you, Bobby and Bubba. I'm sorry I panicked...I will be with Kirby all day. I don't know when the insulin is at it's full effect (PZI)...but I'm going to check his sugar right now... I'll get right back to you. I have a brain injury which affects my short term memory. But I'll remember Bobby and Bubba!!!
You're doing a good job, just one day at a time. Most PZI nadirs (or the peak when the BG 's are the lowest is usually between +5-+7 of the cycle. I copied the below from one of the stickies over in the ProZinc forum. Why don't you start posting over there as that is where the ProZinc experts are and they can help you. Reminder to get your SS up and going and if you have any trouble doing it, just post and ask and we'll get someone to help you. I had to have someone help me as well when I first arrived.

Where is Bucks County do you live? I am outside of Doylestown.

Onset/Nadir/Duration Overview

Onset, when the insulin starts taking effect, is typically around 2 hours after injection. The numbers will continue to rise until the point of onset, when they start to go down again.

Nadir, when the insulin is at its peak and BG values are lowest, is generally between 5 and 7 hours after injection. With ProZinc, the nadir can move around in the first 45 days of usage, as their body adjusts to the insulin.

Duration, the time until the insulin loses most of its effectiveness and BG values start to rise again, is often between 8 and 10 hours after injection. Read more about
Duration on the Pet Diabetes Wiki.

Overlap is when one shot is starting to have an effect (Onset) around the same time the previous shot is wearing off (Duration). This prevents the numbers from rising as much between shots, and thus can be an aid in keeping BG values in a more steady range. For some cats, it may be helpful to use an alternate shooting strategy such as TID to achieve overlap between shots. Often this will assist in improving duration and will allow a return to BID with better results. Read more about
Overlap on the Pet Diabetes Wiki.
 
I am glad that you got your SS up and going. The Friskie Shreds are high in carbs. A better choice would be the Flaked or the Pates. We like to see the kitties on lower carb food under 10%. I will link the food chart we use which will be helpful. When you transition to lower carb wet food it will be very important for you to test often because you could see a BIG drop in BG's and the insulin might have to be reduced. I am very glad you got you signature up and going. You are doing great Katie. You've got this and we will help you.

ETA:
foodchart
 
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I am glad that you got your SS up and going. The Friskie Shreds are high in carbs. A better choice would be the Flaked or the Pates. We like to see the kitties on lower carb food under 10%. I will link the food chart we use which will be helpful. When you transition to lower carb wet food it will be very important for you to test often because you could see a BIG drop in BG's and the insulin might have to be reduced. I am very glad you got you signature up and going. You are doing great Katie. You've got this and we will help you.

ETA:
foodchart
Hi sorry I spelled it Bobby, Bobbi! I am in West Bristol, I'd have to take turnpike west for about 30 min...then 611 into D'town (I got in trouble a few times in my 20's-LOL!)
So I did the signature part ok?
Kirby was 417 this morn, as I said, also I didn't get the insulin all in IDK how. I watched the needle go in!
Then at 11 am he was 346...then we both fell asleep. Woke and immediately took bg...318. So, at least it's coming down. I need it to come down more tho. I will switch to pate then instead of shreds..he's got a hard time eating; I believe I told you about the dog attack. Piece of jaw removed. I didn't do ss yet..that's tonites
mission. I wish u were close by! I'm dreading the ss. And I CANNOT seem to get the "stay on same thread" thing right. I see no "Go to last unread"...I can't get that part I am trying!!!!
 
Hi sorry I spelled it Bobby, Bobbi! I am in West Bristol, I'd have to take turnpike west for about 30 min...then 611 into D'town (I got in trouble a few times in my 20's-LOL!)
So I did the signature part ok?
Kirby was 417 this morn, as I said, also I didn't get the insulin all in IDK how. I watched the needle go in!
Then at 11 am he was 346...then we both fell asleep. Woke and immediately took bg...318. So, at least it's coming down. I need it to come down more tho. I will switch to pate then instead of shreds..he's got a hard time eating; I believe I told you about the dog attack. Piece of jaw removed. I didn't do ss yet..that's tonites
mission. I wish u were close by! I'm dreading the ss. And I CANNOT seem to get the "stay on same thread" thing right. I see no "Go to last unread"...I can't get that part I am trying!!!!
Yes, signature looks good. Again, if you need help with the SS just post.

I don't think I knew about the dog attack, that is very sad. I think you have several threads going today and I have only read one. It is best if you put all your correspondence on one thread a day. It keeps everyone on the same page. You will get the hang of the forum as you go along, as I did too. People are very sweet and will help teach you.
 
Yes, signature looks good. Again, if you need help with the SS just post.

I don't think I knew about the dog attack, that is very sad. I think you have several threads going today and I have only read one. It is best if you put all your correspondence on one thread a day. It keeps everyone on the same page. You will get the hang of the forum as you go along, as I did too. People are very sweet and will help teach you.
Yes...last Mother's day Kirby was pulled right outta the tree at my parent's house by the neighbor's dog. It was bad...big choc lab stood on his belly and tried to bite Kirbys head off! My Mom saw it. That's why they had to remove a piece of his jaw. Dogs owner only lives 10 min away but had to bring dog all the time. He got thru the fence so many times,we just knew the cat always ran up a tree or the shed, the wall. And she thought she didn't have to pay for the vet saving his life!!! She did tho...or it was going to court.
 
Yes...last Mother's day Kirby was pulled right outta the tree at my parent's house by the neighbor's dog. It was bad...big choc lab stood on his belly and tried to bite Kirbys head off! My Mom saw it. That's why they had to remove a piece of his jaw. Dogs owner only lives 10 min away but had to bring dog all the time. He got thru the fence so many times,we just knew the cat always ran up a tree or the shed, the wall. And she thought she didn't have to pay for the vet saving his life!!! She did tho...or it was going to court.
That's horrible and I am so glad that Kirby's life was saved!
 
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