Help I have brain malfunction!

[Taffysmama]

There is A LOT of info here, and between new job, home life, two sick cats, and midlife brain dysfunction, reading everything giving me a daily panic attack. I have had a lot of help from a member with getting my spreadsheet started. But this board, while sort informative, is completely overwhelming me with panic attacks. My brain just can't absorb everything. I have never felt so stupid. Anyhow, my cat was not on a dry diet, so just changing his food is not the easy answer, unfortunately. His numbers continue to be high. I'm freaked out about it. Let me know if you can't see my spreadsheet. Sorry, I'm just rambling, but I'm so lost.

 

[LizzieInTexas]

Yes. I can see your spreadsheet. You are doing great. Deep breath. Someone here told me when I first stated, this is a marathon not a sprint.

How is Taffy feeling/behaving? Is his pancreatitis under control? Any other meds/supplements?

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Hi Julie,

Try to slow down and take some deep breaths. Please don't beat yourself up. Yes, there is a lot of info here and it is overwhelming. You don't have to learn it all at once. You've been at this for less than two weeks and have the groundwork of home testing and logging on a spreadsheet already under your belt. Congratulations! These are the keys to managing Taffy's diabetes.
I'm sure you've read this already but it's the Lantus "bible":
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-levemir-start-low-go-slow-method-slgs.129446/

You'll notice it says about midway down the document to hold a dose for a week. You held 1 u for 4 days and 1.5 u for 6 days and you're now going to 1.75 u. That's a lot of dosing changing in a short time. It can take kitties a while to adjust to getting insulin and it's too early to know what Taffy's needs will be.

I just noticed in your signature that you're following the tight regulation protocol. The spreadsheet shows every 12 hours dosing though. You might find the "Start Low and Go Slow" protocol in the link I put in above to be a bit easier to carry out for now as you learn more about FD and build Taffy's treatment into your daily routine.

I'll now turn it over to other Lantus users to give you more specific advice.

 

[Linda and Scooter & Jack]

Hi Julie,

Your right there is a lot of information here. No one expects you to absorb it all at once. I can see your spread sheet you did great!
Is there a reason your using the alpha trak? I know in the high numbers that meter is very different. My Vet uses that and there was a 200 difference between our meters at high numbers. Also I found the strips really expensive.

Basically your doing everything right so far by the looks of your spread sheet. I have been doing this for over 4 years and just yesterday asked for dosing advice. So give yourself a big break!
I am glad taffy is not on dry kibble .

Anyway welcome to the nicest place you never want to be and know that there is lots of help here. Just read a sticky note once a day for a week it will help.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Hey Julie!! Glad to see you made it over here!!

Kris is totally right.....none of us learned this overnight.....there's so much to learn! When we were new, someone said it's like trying to take a college level course in endocrinology in 3 days and that's really true!

Try to relax.....it takes time to get those numbers down and you're doing great so far.

The one big thing I see is that you're not getting any tests on the PM cycle.....Most cats go lower at night, so it's really important to get at least a quick "before bed" test on the PM cycle to make sure Taffy stays safe while you sleep......they can also be dropping lower at night and then "bouncing" by the next morning. Without those PM tests, there's no way to know.

Welcome again to the best place you never wanted to be!! Hang in there!!!

@Kris & Teasel gave you the link to the Start Low, Go Slow method of dosing, but there's another method called Tight Regulation

Tight Regulation has advantages over SLGS because you can increase the dose as often as every 3 days so if Taffy isn't getting where you want him, you can increase sooner and decrease the chance of glucose toxicity setting in.

In SLGS, you'd hold the dose for a week before increasing.

TR requires a little more testing to be safe, but you're testing enough to do it (as long as you can get at least one test on the PM cycle after the PMPS)

TR offers the best chance at remission, but we've had a few kitties on SLGS that got there too!

At some point, you'll need to decide which way you want to go and add that to your signature, but don't feel like you have to do that tonight!!!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

She has another thread started HERE

Better to keep all the replies on one thread

 

[Taffysmama]

Hi Julie,

Try to slow down and take some deep breaths. Please don't beat yourself up. Yes, there is a lot of info here and it is overwhelming. You don't have to learn it all at once. You've been at this for less than two weeks and have the groundwork of home testing and logging on a spreadsheet already under your belt. Congratulations! These are the keys to managing Taffy's diabetes.
I'm sure you've read this already but it's the Lantus "bible":
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-levemir-start-low-go-slow-method-slgs.129446/

You'll notice it says about midway down the document to hold a dose for a week. You held 1 u for 4 days and 1.5 u for 6 days and you're now going to 1.75 u. That's a lot of dosing changing in a short time. It can take kitties a while to adjust to getting insulin and it's too early to know what Taffy's needs will be.

I just noticed in your signature that you're following the tight regulation protocol. The spreadsheet shows every 12 hours dosing though. You might find the "Start Low and Go Slow" protocol in the link I put in above to be a bit easier to carry out for now as you learn more about FD and build Taffy's treatment into your daily routine.

I'll now turn it over to other Lantus users to give you more specific advice.

Thank you. Your comments and advice are calming me down a bit. I though I needed to read and understand everything asap, and I'm having trouble. The dosing increases were based mainly on my vet's advice by email. He had me thinking that I needed to get Taffy numbers down fast. Aside from a small handout in feline diabetes, and a quick lesson in his office on testing and shooting, he gave me no info about what to expect. I didn't know anything about Lantus vs. other insulin, etc. Or what his plan or protocol was for Taffy. And his communications are becoming less and less frequent, so I'm on my own (well, with everyone here helping). I'm not following tight regulation, I'll check my signature and remove if it says that. Thanks.

 

[Taffysmama]

Yes. I can see your spreadsheet. You are doing great. Deep breath. Someone here told me when I first stated, this is a marathon not a sprint.

How is Taffy feeling/behaving? Is his pancreatitis under control? Any other meds/supplements?

He seems to be feeling pretty well. His bloodwork at diagnoses still showed very low elevated panc markers. Need to recheck soon. He was using inhaled steroids for asthma, but these have been discontinued. Denamarin every other day. That's about it right now.

 

[Taffysmama]

He seems to be feeling pretty well. His bloodwork at diagnoses still showed very low elevated panc markers. Need to recheck soon. He was using inhaled steroids for asthma, but these have been discontinued. Denamarin every other day. That's about it right now.

Oh, and thank you for your kind words!

 

[Taffysmama]

She has another thread started HERE

Better to keep all the replies on one thread

Ugh, sorry! Guess I created two threads.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I'm not following tight regulation, I'll check my signature and remove if it says that. Thanks.

Which protocol you use is your decision.....As I said earlier, you are testing enough to do TR if you want to ....and unless you want to hold the dose when he's in those high numbers for a week, TR is the best choice. It's a little more nerve-wracking at times, but you'll learn how Taffy responds to both food and insulin and since you're testing, you'll be able to learn to keep him safe.

TR is the only protocol that's been published in a veterinary journal...it's aggressive, but as long as you can get the tests in, it's safe.

Some of the basic differences are:

TR...dose adjustments can be made as often as every 3 days (6 cycles)...this is most effective because if they're staying in numbers we don't like, we can increase more often
SLGS...dose adjustments are made once a week....this can be hard on the caretaker IF the cat is "stuck" in high numbers very long

TR...reductions in dose are given if they drop below 50 on a human meter, 68 on a pet meter
SLGS...reductions are given if they drop below 90 on either meter

TR...You'll want to get the 2 PS tests and at least one other test....preferably at least 2 other tests.....One somewhere between +4 and +7 on the AM cycle and a "before bed" test on the PM cycle...if you can only get 1, the "before bed" test is most important since most cats go lower at night
SLGS...You still must get the 2 PS tests in, and then do a curve once a week (testing every 2 hours for 12 hours or every 3 hours for 18 hours)

 

[Taffysmama]

Hi Julie,

Your right there is a lot of information here. No one expects you to absorb it all at once. I can see your spread sheet you did great!
Is there a reason your using the alpha trak? I know in the high numbers that meter is very different. My Vet uses that and there was a 200 difference between our meters at high numbers. Also I found the strips really expensive.

Basically your doing everything right so far by the looks of your spread sheet. I have been doing this for over 4 years and just yesterday asked for dosing advice. So give yourself a big break!
I am glad taffy is not on dry kibble but I sure hope he can transition from radcat to fancy feast pate or friskies pate. That is the easy and cheap way I found out.

Anyway welcome to the nicest place you never want to be and know that there is lots of help here. Just read a sticky note once a day for a week it will help.

Thanks for the reply. I'm beginning to understand that I don't have to know everything all at once! I had a Scooter, he was Maine Coon and was my love. He passed suddenly, in front of me, at only 3 years old from heart failure. Taffy looks just like him (but quite as big, though) and when his owner passed, I adopted him. Anyhow, I used the Alpha Trak because that is what the vet used, and he said that was what I needed to get (and I knew nothing). Yes, the test strips are insanely expensive! I am considering getting a human meter. How do you know which was accurate (at the high numbers) between yours and your vets?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

First, a big welcome to you and Taffy We all felt overwhelmed trying to get a graduate degree in feline diabetes at first. But don't worry, people here love to help. Feel free to ask plenty of questions. On the subject line for this thread you can add a "?" prefix and that will draw eyes to your questions.

I am glad taffy is not on dry kibble but I sure hope he can transition from radcat to fancy feast pate or friskies pate. That is the easy and cheap way I found out.

If your kitty is on Radcat raw food, I would keep him on that. Raw is a great food for cats and I find raw food is often cheaper than canned if bought in bulk. I see that Taffy has possible IBD. I have two kitties with that, and it's much easier to find unique proteins in raw format and it's highly recommended for IBD kitties.

As far as accuracy, it's not really that important. We know that at the high end the pet meters read a little higher, and we know that at the low end, 68 on the pet meter is 50 on the human meter. We don't want cats going below that number. High is just high, doesn't matter how high. Our protocols and dosing methods are written for people using human meters. If you want to follow either SLGS or TR, then you just follow the numbers in the Sticky Notes describing those dosing methods.

 

[Linda and Scooter & Jack]

Thanks for the reply. I'm beginning to understand that I don't have to know everything all at once! I had a Scooter, he was Maine Coon and was my love. He passed suddenly, in front of me, at only 3 years old from heart failure. Taffy looks just like him (but quite as big, though) and when his owner passed, I adopted him. Anyhow, I used the Alpha Trak because that is what the vet used, and he said that was what I needed to get (and I knew nothing). Yes, the test strips are insanely expensive! I am considering getting a human meter. How do you know which was accurate (at the high numbers) between yours and your vets?

Well there is one thing I know for sure around here. I follow what Wendy says. Without her and a few other amazing women my Scooter would have died one night. I got another 2 years with him. He died from cancer not diabetes so I understand about your Scooter.
I got the Walmart relion meter because that seemed to be the one most folks were using here and it requires only the tiniest blood drop. I went last Sunday and bought 2 meter at 9.99 a piece and the poking sticks for 2 bucks per hundred and the test strips are 9.99 for a hundred or 50. These are all relion Walmart products only. I ordered them on line and went to the store for pick up. they also sell the lantus for Junior.
When I got to the Vet I take my spread sheet for the previous month which is helpful to her.

 

[Linda and Scooter & Jack]

Thank you. Your comments and advice are calming me down a bit. I though I needed to read and understand everything asap, and I'm having trouble. The dosing increases were based mainly on my vet's advice by email. He had me thinking that I needed to get Taffy numbers down fast. Aside from a small handout in feline diabetes, and a quick lesson in his office on testing and shooting, he gave me no info about what to expect. I didn't know anything about Lantus vs. other insulin, etc. Or what his plan or protocol was for Taffy. And his communications are becoming less and less frequent, so I'm on my own (well, with everyone here helping). I'm not following tight regulation, I'll check my signature and remove if it says that. Thanks.

You are not alone. Most Vets don't know what we all know here.

 

[Taffysmama]

First, a big welcome to you and Taffy We all felt overwhelmed trying to get a graduate degree in feline diabetes at first. But don't worry, people here love to help. Feel free to ask plenty of questions. On the subject line for this thread you can add a "?" prefix and that will draw eyes to your questions.


If your kitty is on Radcat raw food, I would keep him on that. Raw is a great food for cats and I find raw food is often cheaper than canned if bought in bulk. I see that Taffy has possible IBD. I have two kitties with that, and it's much easier to find unique proteins in raw format and it's highly recommended for IBD kitties.

As far as accuracy, it's not really that important. We know that at the high end the pet meters read a little higher, and we know that at the low end, 68 on the pet meter is 50 on the human meter. We don't want cats going below that number. High is just high, doesn't matter how high. Our protocols and dosing methods are written for people using human meters. If you want to follow either SLGS or TR, then you just follow the numbers in the Sticky Notes describing those dosing methods.

I think I am going to get a human meter, the Relion from Wal-Mart. The test strips for the AT2 are just too expensive. I know RadCat is the best, it's great, and he loves it. More than when I try to prepare my own raw, but I'm likely going to go back to that. I was disappointed that RadCat started using high pressure processing on their poultry, and the lamb is too fatty for Taffy, and beef and venison too rich on their own (have to mix). My only problem with RadCat is that although he did well on it, I am suspicious that he had intolerance to one or more ingredient. (Suspicions based on small symptoms/signs.) Now we have diabetes. Planning to have food sensitivity test as soon as I recover from recent vet expenditures.

 

[Taffysmama]

Hey Julie!! Glad to see you made it over here!!

Kris is totally right.....none of us learned this overnight.....there's so much to learn! When we were new, someone said it's like trying to take a college level course in endocrinology in 3 days and that's really true!

Try to relax.....it takes time to get those numbers down and you're doing great so far.

The one big thing I see is that you're not getting any tests on the PM cycle.....Most cats go lower at night, so it's really important to get at least a quick "before bed" test on the PM cycle to make sure Taffy stays safe while you sleep......they can also be dropping lower at night and then "bouncing" by the next morning. Without those PM tests, there's no way to know.

Welcome again to the best place you never wanted to be!! Hang in there!!!

@Kris & Teasel gave you the link to the Start Low, Go Slow method of dosing, but there's another method called Tight Regulation

Tight Regulation has advantages over SLGS because you can increase the dose as often as every 3 days so if Taffy isn't getting where you want him, you can increase sooner and decrease the chance of glucose toxicity setting in.

In SLGS, you'd hold the dose for a week before increasing.

TR requires a little more testing to be safe, but you're testing enough to do it (as long as you can get at least one test on the PM cycle after the PMPS)

TR offers the best chance at remission, but we've had a few kitties on SLGS that got there too!

At some point, you'll need to decide which way you want to go and add that to your signature, but don't feel like you have to do that tonight!!!

I had replied to this message, but I don't see it. Mainly, what is glucose toxicity? Same as hypoglycemia, or opposite? What are the signs?

Second ?, does it ever seem as though the blood becomes thicker, darker, more viscous? Maybe I'm imagining it, but that is what it seems like the last couple days when I'm testing.

Thanks again for all of your help! I got a PM reading tonight at 11:30p. I'd better sleep now!

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Hi there fellow RadCat feeder!
Stopping by to add my "Welcome"!
I so relate to your current overwhelmed state!
You are in the right place to get the right help you need..both for your Taffy and for your sanity as you learn the ins and outs of managing this baffling SugarDance!
Gussie was diagnosed in June and the diabetes came completely out of the blue. Since he was eating raw the LAST thing I expected was diabetes. I found this amazing place doing a google search and I know the folks here are the reason Gussie is doing well.
Here is my advice, use what's helpful, toss the rest.
You don't have to understand everything all at once. So much will make sense to you as you experience it and are guided through it as it happens in real time. When you need something explained know that there are NO stupid questions....we have all been where we were asking them too
I read as many of the threads or condos on the board as I could, while I got lots of information from the stickies on how to do things it made so much more sense when I read where people were being helped thru the steps as they were happening..I could see it in context. Also the folks helping here have some amazing ways to explain things to make sense..many of my AhHa now I get it moments of understanding came while reading condos.
The folks here have something no vet can have, they live this disease 24/7 with their cats and amongst them there is a knowledge base that is vast and incredible..and they are here to pass that on. If you are able to let yourself follow it and learn from them Taffy will benefit immensely.
You and Taffy will both get the help and support you need here..
One step at a time you will learn the steps to this dance
So stock up on , buckle up and get ready to enjoy the ride
Welcome from Gussie and I
Oh and I forgot the most important thing!! Breathe!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Mainly, what is glucose toxicity? Same as hypoglycemia, or opposite? What are the signs?

Hi Julie,
Glucose toxicity is what happens when the BG numbers are too high for too long. The kitty's body tissues lose their sensitivity to insulin so that a dose that might have worked stops working. This can be called insulin resistance. I view glucose toxicity and insulin resistance as two sides of the same coin or a chicken and egg situation. There are many factors that can lead to insulin resistance (like other health issues) but it can develop merely because BG is too high for a prolonged period of time. How high and how long can vary with the cat.

does it ever seem as though the blood becomes thicker, darker, more viscous?

Blood from a vein is always darker but I've also wondered whether it's sticker/thicker when BG is high. Not sure what the answer is.

 

[Taffysmama]

Good morning!

So, Taffy was quiet this morning, didn't bug me for food. But he still ate fine at breakfast. I did leave out some FD chicken pieces overnight. Not sure which kitty ate them, but most likely is Taff. His pre shot number was 278 and this was the lowest pre shot so far. I didn't want to use another test strip, but I did because I had to recheck. Came out at 246! So, in this case, shall I average them to put on the SS? I'm excited that he had a lower number, but confused that there seems to be no discernable pattern still. So random.

I think I'm going to get the human meter today. The Relion from Wal-Mart. What sort of changes/differences in numbers would I expect?

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Welcome to the group!!

I've been here for a while. Probably the one common factor for all of us is just how overwhelming managing our cat's diabetes is in the beginning. There have even been a few MDs who have been members and they were overwhelmed by all of the information plus links in the sticky notes! So, if it's any consolation, your feeling the way all of us have at the beginning. It really does get easier. Please let us know how we can help. If you don't understand something, we can translate!

As for your question about the pre-shot number, there is an allowable amount of difference between tests -- 20% variance between tests. So, the two numbers, the 278 and 246, are pretty much the same. You can choose which number you want to use on your spreadsheet. It's good to get a second test if when you test, you're seeing an unexpectedly high or low number. Sometimes, there can be meter error or you have a bad strip. The more data you have, the better you'll be able to figure out what could be an out of context test. That said, our kitties do not like to be predictable!

It may help to get a "before bed" test every night. That may help us to see a pattern. Many cats' numbers are lower during the PM cycle. If Taffy's numbers are dropping lower at night, what you may be seeing during the day is a bounce back into the pink and red range. In addition, if you don't test at night, you're missing half of your data.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Good morning!

So, Taffy was quiet this morning, didn't bug me for food. But he still ate fine at breakfast. I did leave out some FD chicken pieces overnight. Not sure which kitty ate them, but most likely is Taff. His pre shot number was 278 and this was the lowest pre shot so far. I didn't want to use another test strip, but I did because I had to recheck. Came out at 246! So, in this case, shall I average them to put on the SS? I'm excited that he had a lower number, but confused that there seems to be no discernable pattern still. So random.

I think I'm going to get the human meter today. The Relion from Wal-Mart. What sort of changes/differences in numbers would I expect?

The ReliOn numbers will read lower than your Alpha Track. I started out with both and about drove myself looney measuring with both and fretting. Best advice I got on that was Don't Do That!.
I put the Alpha Track in the cupboard to have as a back up meter. It did go off every night at some ungodly hour as I had pushed the alarm set button and could never ever figure out how to cancel that feature. What I did was bring my ReliOn to the vet so we could compare them there. Mine ran a pretty consistent 80 points lower than their Alpha Track was reading .
The spreadsheets and the protocols here are made to use human meter readings so it was easier for me to switch to match than trying to do the conversions all the time, but math is not my strong suit so the path of least resistance was a clear choice!
I'd maybe do a couple of comparison tests with your two meters, then kind of make mental note of the difference and store that in the back of your mind, and move forward with your new meter that has affordable strips! Worked for me!

 

[Taffysmama]

Hi there fellow RadCat feeder!
Stopping by to add my "Welcome"!
I so relate to your current overwhelmed state!
You are in the right place to get the right help you need..both for your Taffy and for your sanity as you learn the ins and outs of managing this baffling SugarDance!
Gussie was diagnosed in June and the diabetes came completely out of the blue. Since he was eating raw the LAST thing I expected was diabetes. I found this amazing place doing a google search and I know the folks here are the reason Gussie is doing well.
Here is my advice, use what's helpful, toss the rest.
You don't have to understand everything all at once. So much will make sense to you as you experience it and are guided through it as it happens in real time. When you need something explained know that there are NO stupid questions....we have all been where we were asking them too
I read as many of the threads or condos on the board as I could, while I got lots of information from the stickies on how to do things it made so much more sense when I read where people were being helped thru the steps as they were happening..I could see it in context. Also the folks helping here have some amazing ways to explain things to make sense..many of my AhHa now I get it moments of understanding came while reading condos.
The folks here have something no vet can have, they live this disease 24/7 with their cats and amongst them there is a knowledge base that is vast and incredible..and they are here to pass that on. If you are able to let yourself follow it and learn from them Taffy will benefit immensely.
You and Taffy will both get the help and support you need here..
One step at a time you will learn the steps to this dance
So stock up on , buckle up and get ready to enjoy the ride
Welcome from Gussie and I
Oh and I forgot the most important thing!! Breathe!

Wow, hi! We have sooo much in common! I see you are in So Cal, (but I don't know what the TR means) (lots of abbreviations here!). I'm near East L.A./No O.C. border.

It really gives me hope that there is someone else who is feeding raw, mainly RadCat, and has a cat that became diabetic. What a shocker, right? While I didn't know much, I always thought it only happens to kibble kitties. When Taffy's coat started to look less plush and he lost weight fast, I was worried about kidney disease. Diabetes was a shock. Did you have any suspicions as to why your kitty developed diabetes while eating raw? Do you know what he was fed before coming to you? Did he ever take steroids? I know that some say that sometimes diabetes just happens with no known reason, but I am always looking for answers. And Taffy has small signs that he was not right. For Taffy, I suspect a few possibilities. One is his inhaled steroids, which he started on soon after coming to live with me. He had no history of asthma before. I feel like he is allergic to something in my house, like the carpet. Unfortunately, I can't get rid of my carpet. Allergies caused systemic inflammation. Food intolerance are also a possibility. Plan to get him tested for those.

I found this forum thru Facebook right away, but was super overwhelmed with all of the info! I felt like I needed to read everything asap, so I wouldn't put Taffy in danger. I'm calming down now after everybody's reassurances!

Also common ground, I had an orange tabby that I inherited from neighbors who didn't really like him (daughter left him when she moved). He was an awesome, intelligent kitty. Had him about 8 years, lost him after long struggle with ckd. So, I'm no stranger to intense care, needles, pills, etc. But totally green about diabetes. Also inherited a tux girl from a neighbor who passed. She's gone now, too. Now I have Baby Kitty, who I found 8.5 years ago as a kitten, in my car engine, very injured. Nursed him to health. And Taffy, whom I adopted four years ago after his previous mama passed from cancer. There were a couple more kitties in there, but I won't bore you!

I spent a lot on the other kitties, especially the orange tabby, but Taffy has been my million dollar boy, by far. First year, emergency urethra blockage. Then, many, many vet visits for digestive issues, low grade panc, ear infections, asthma. Various inflammatory responses in his body. Vets get stumped, want to use antibiotics and steroids because that's all they know, and they get frustrated with me when I push them to find better answers and solutions. Taffy has seen over a dozen different vets!

Speaking of abbreviations...what is a condo?

I see in your signature that your cat has recently gone off the insulin! Congrats! So you only did about five months? Did you do tight regulation or go slow? Any other changes?

 

[Taffysmama]

Welcome to the group!!

I've been here for a while. Probably the one common factor for all of us is just how overwhelming managing our cat's diabetes is in the beginning. There have even been a few MDs who have been members and they were overwhelmed by all of the information plus links in the sticky notes! So, if it's any consolation, your feeling the way all of us have at the beginning. It really does get easier. Please let us know how we can help. If you don't understand something, we can translate!

As for your question about the pre-shot number, there is an allowable amount of difference between tests -- 20% variance between tests. So, the two numbers, the 278 and 246, are pretty much the same. You can choose which number you want to use on your spreadsheet. It's good to get a second test if when you test, you're seeing an unexpectedly high or low number. Sometimes, there can be meter error or you have a bad strip. The more data you have, the better you'll be able to figure out what could be an out of context test. That said, our kitties do not like to be predictable!

It may help to get a "before bed" test every night. That may help us to see a pattern. Many cats' numbers are lower during the PM cycle. If Taffy's numbers are dropping lower at night, what you may be seeing during the day is a bounce back into the pink and red range. In addition, if you don't test at night, you're missing half of your data.

I did get a before bed last night. 371
I kept falling asleep before, now I set an alarm so I can do this regularly.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

A "condo" is your daily thread. Since people stop by to "visit," it makes more sense to call a thread a condo (and, cat trees are also called condos). And yes, we have a lot of slang. There is a link to our dictionary in the New to the Group sticky.

 

[Taffysmama]

The ReliOn numbers will read lower than your Alpha Track. I started out with both and about drove myself looney measuring with both and fretting. Best advice I got on that was Don't Do That!.
I put the Alpha Track in the cupboard to have as a back up meter. It did go off every night at some ungodly hour as I had pushed the alarm set button and could never ever figure out how to cancel that feature. What I did was bring my ReliOn to the vet so we could compare them there. Mine ran a pretty consistent 80 points lower than their Alpha Track was reading .
The spreadsheets and the protocols here are made to use human meter readings so it was easier for me to switch to match than trying to do the conversions all the time, but math is not my strong suit so the path of least resistance was a clear choice!
I'd maybe do a couple of comparison tests with your two meters, then kind of make mental note of the difference and store that in the back of your mind, and move forward with your new meter that has affordable strips! Worked for me!

Good advice, thanks! It's like you know me! I WOULD drive myself nuts trying to compare both! Except I feel bad poking him so much. So, does that mean that the numbers I am posting are not "as high" according to the color coding, because I'm using AT? Chris set up my spread sheet, so I don't know if she adjusted anything for that. Anyhow, so the Relion micro from Wal Mart? Or just Relion?

 

[Taffysmama]

A "condo" is your daily thread. Since people stop by to "visit," it makes more sense to call a thread a condo (and, cat trees are also called condos). And yes, we have a lot of slang. There is a link to our dictionary in the New to the Group sticky.

So, I should start a new thread every day? I see people posting their daily numbers summaries.

 

[Taffysmama]

Ok, which human meters does everyone use and why?

Also, Taffy really felt his poke this morning and gave me a look! Where does everybody inject on their kitty?

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Ok, which human meters does everyone use and why?

Also, Taffy really felt his poke this morning and gave me a look! Where does everybody inject on their kitty?

Yes, you'll sometimes shoot in a place that's a bit more sensitive or your technique will be a little awkward and kitty will react. Most people are taught by the vet to use the scruff because there's a lot of tougher, loose skin there so it's easier. After the learning period most of us try other areas along the side - ribs, flank - or even near the belly. Some cats are given their shot while they're eating. Over time, you'll find what works for you, your technique will improve and you won't be as anxious if Taffy reacts a bit.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Hi!
Yes we are practically neighbors, I'm No O.C. Too!
Gussie did take pill steroids ( pred) off and on for asthma, but I don't know if that caused his diabetes or not.

Good advice, thanks! It's like you know me! I WOULD drive myself nuts trying to compare both! Except I feel bad poking him so much. So, does that mean that the numbers I am posting are not "as high" according to the color coding, because I'm using AT? Chris set up my spread sheet, so I don't know if she adjusted anything for that. Anyhow, so the Relion micro from Wal Mart? Or just Relion?

I'm not sure on if the sheet is changed to color code for the higher read meter. I'd tag Chris and ask.
You put the @sign and their username and a window will pop up to choose them. That sends an alert to them that you tagged them for something. @Chris & China
For example if you wanted to ask me specifically something you would write @Gussiesmom in the text.

YES!! A new thread each day keeps it organized and makes it easier to answer questions and give help. Too many pages and what's going on gets lost/buried and here that's not a good thing! You can link the previous days thread or condo when you start the new day. It's helpful to put the days date, Kitty's name and the AM test reading first. There is a prefix with a blue ? For when you need help, a 911 for emergency help like RIGHT NOW, or no prefix. Learn to use those as if you have an emergency (anti jinx) that 911 needs to be easy! To link the past thread

I moved Gussies injection sites around. Infound the scruff didn't work so well for us. We tended to shoot right after eating ( sometimes during) and used his sides or flanks. Like mentioned there's a lot of area to use there and moving it prevents the development of scar tissue like when you are doing subqs. Scar tissue can affect the absorption of the insulin from what I've been taught. . You will find your rhythm with time. Also I know given your background of sub Qs you know the stuff about not dallying about when inserting the needle.

There are folks who use all the varieties of a ReliOn meters, and there are several. The cost of the strips varies too. I believevReliOn is Walmart brand so ReliOn at Walmart is the regular ReliOn meter! I use the ReliOn micro, it was easy and cheap for me tho the strips are more than other reliOn meters. It's really personal choice. Some use the ReliOn Prime and some the Confirm. Main thing is that you use whichever you choose and do Testing!
Be sure once you've chosen the meter that you always double check the strips..been there done that ordered the wrong strips!

I'm thinking the Santa Ana's play a part in kicking Gussies asthma/allergies into gear. I'm in the process of sleuthing to solve that puzzle myself. Our stories do parallel! My two GA kitties Buster and Jett were CKD or CRF kitties. That dance I knew well but diabetes threw me big time.

This is the best place to be..soak up the wealth of knowledge here. So much will only make sense as it happens and as you do it. BUT you will learn that you can gain the tools and knowledge to keep your cat safe as you help him heal.

Yes! Gussie just completed his OTJ ( off the juice) trial last week!!!! Only because I found this board, their expertise and support made that possible...and made it happen.

So happy you are here, and Taffy is so lucky his Bean ( human caregiver) is willing to dance this dance with him!

Again, remember there are no dumb questions, you can do this, and to breathe!

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Wow, hi! We have sooo much in common! I see you are in So Cal, (but I don't know what the TR means) (lots of abbreviations here!). I'm near East L.A./No O.C. border.
I see in your signature that your cat has recently gone off the insulin! Congrats! So you only did about five months? Did you do tight regulation or go slow? Any other changes?

Hello neighbor!
I followed the TR protocol. If you look at a Gussies spread sheet I did a Lot of testing but I needed to go wrap my head around what his body was doing and how the insulin affected it. So I tested to fill in that jigsaw puzzle to where I could make out what the picture was. And I wanted to be sure when I needed help that there was enough data that I could get advice. Mostly tho it was so I could see in my quest to understand.
In answer to your question re what Gussie ate, for 14 years he ate the cheapest chow they could buy and licked up hi carb gravy from FF gravy lovers varieties. Two years ago he transitioned really fast to raw as I've been feeding raw for more than 15 years now.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

The Relion Confirm and Micro take the same strips and just need a small blood drop. The Prime has cheaper strips but needs a larger blood drop. Another common place that people buy diabeties supplies is ADW. The Akrkray Glucoard 01 meter is made by the same people who make the Relion products and you can get similar priced strips. And then you don't have to physically shop at Wallyworld.

Another good post for you to bookmark is Where Can I Find? It has loads of links to interesting posts, including one on Testing and Shooting Tips. I mostly shoot in the scruff/shoulder area, except if I'm doing fluids them I move the flank.

And don't spend too much time trying to figure out the "why" of your cat getting diabetes. I remember driving myself crazy doing the same. Some seems to be inherited and sometimes it's completely out of left field. Neko has a benign pituitary tumor (acromegaly) that sends out excess growth hormones, and that's what caused her diabetes. In spite of being on a low carb diet. You'll see an expression here ECID, Every Cat is Different, and it's so true. So many different reasons cats got diabetes and so many paths forward from there.

 

[JanetNJ]

There is A LOT of info here, and between new job, home life, two sick cats, and midlife brain dysfunction, reading everything giving me a daily panic attack. I have had a lot of help from a member with getting my spreadsheet started. But this board, while sort informative, is completely overwhelming me with panic attacks. My brain just can't absorb everything. I have never felt so stupid. Anyhow, my cat was not on a dry diet, so just changing his food is not the easy answer, unfortunately. His numbers continue to be high. I'm freaked out about it. Let me know if you can't see my spreadsheet. Sorry, I'm just rambling, but I'm so lost.

wow you are actually doing terrific with daily testing! I know seeing those pink numbers are stressful, but Taffy will be OK!! You are way ahead of where I was just a few weeks in. I didn't start home testing until like 6 weeks after she was diagnosed... I wish I had started right away like you! I use the AlphaTrak... I like that the numbers are the same as my vet, but if cost is an issue, most people on the boards use the Relion Micro. If you decide to stay with AlphaTrak the cheapest place i've found to buy the strips is adwdiabetes.com You can usually find a discount code for the site as well. (Even with that $48 for 50 strips is a lot more than the relion one... just keep in mind your readings will be significantly lower.)

Keep up the great work.

 

[Olive & Paula]

Just want to welcome you and Taffy. You have received a lot of info. One tip I can offer is to check in here daily. Read other posts. You can pick up some wonderful tips and maybe even try something you haven't thought about. This is a family even though it's virtual, we all have a sugar fur baby.

 

[Taffysmama]

Hello neighbor!
I followed the TR protocol. If you look at a Gussies spread sheet I did a Lot of testing but I needed to go wrap my head around what his body was doing and how the insulin affected it. So I tested to fill in that jigsaw puzzle to where I could make out what the picture was. And I wanted to be sure when I needed help that there was enough data that I could get advice. Mostly tho it was so I could see in my quest to understand.
In answer to your question re what Gussie ate, for 14 years he ate the cheapest chow they could buy and licked up hi carb gravy from FF gravy lovers varieties. Two years ago he transitioned really fast to raw as I've been feeding raw for more than 15 years now.

I have been feeding raw to pets (dogs first) since about 2001or02. First I cooked, then just went raw. When I inherited my Orange kitty (first of 6 in last 12 years), our vet was cat specialist and author, Elizabeth Hodgkins, in Yorba Linda. Big raw promoter. But she sold her practice. I did raw successfully for most cats, but being new to cats, little did I know that they can be very particular and difficult! My dogs ate whatever I gave them!

I really want to test a lot to get the big picture, as well, and some days I have. But it gets hard to get a successful poke by the end of the day sometimes and I feel bad. Poke myself, too. Do you use only ears?

I'm still going to find some natural remedies for the allergies/asthma, but since Taffy was coughing more yesterday and today, I decided to try Zyrtec and see if it helps at all. His numbers were down today, the most they have been, but he is acting depressed because I think he is congested. Vet also has wanted to try a long course of antibiotics, which I am considering.

Do you have a good vet in the area? Since Dr. Hodgkins stopped practicing, I have not really ever been satisfied with vets for my cats. I've been to MANY!

Do you feed only RadCat, or do you make some?

 

[Taffysmama]

Good advice, thanks! It's like you know me! I WOULD drive myself nuts trying to compare both! Except I feel bad poking him so much. So, does that mean that the numbers I am posting are not "as high" according to the color coding, because I'm using AT? Chris set up my spread sheet, so I don't know if she adjusted anything for that. Anyhow, so the Relion micro from Wal Mart? Or just Relion?

@Chris & China ...was my spreadsheet adjusted in any way because I'm using Alpha Trak, or is there a calculation I need to make? I am going to buy a Relion this afternoon.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Just want to welcome you and Taffy. You have received a lot of info. One tip I can offer is to check in here daily. Read other posts. You can pick up some wonderful tips and maybe even try something you haven't thought about. This is a family even though it's virtual, we all have a sugar fur baby.

So well put Paula!

I have been feeding raw to pets (dogs first) since about 2001or02. First I cooked, then just went raw. When I inherited my Orange kitty (first of 6 in last 12 years), our vet was cat specialist and author, Elizabeth Hodgkins, in Yorba Linda. Big raw promoter. But she sold her practice. I did raw successfully for most cats, but being new to cats, little did I know that they can be very particular and difficult! My dogs ate whatever I gave them!
I really want to test a lot to get the big picture, as well, and some days I have. But it gets hard to get a successful poke by the end of the day sometimes and I feel bad. Poke myself, too. Do you use only ears?

I do only use gussies ears, I felt bad too but then reminded myself I was doing it to keep him safe, and that helped.

I'm still going to find some natural remedies for the allergies/asthma, but since Taffy was coughing more yesterday and today, I decided to try Zyrtec and see if it helps at all. His numbers were down today, the most they have been, but he is acting depressed because I think he is congested. Vet also has wanted to try a long course of antibiotics, which I am considering.[/QUOTE]

The Zyrtec mught really make a difference.

Do you have a good vet in the area? Since Dr. Hodgkins stopped practicing, I have not really ever been satisfied with vets for my cats. I've been to MANY! [/QUOTE]

I do have one I love, he is a holistic vet as well and has just moved back to Tustin from Garden Grove. PM me ( send me a personal message and I'll give you his info)

Do you feed only RadCat, or do you make some?[/QUOTE]
I was feeding Halshan with the Platinum Performance Feline supplement. You are probably familiar with it as Dr. H prescribed it. You probably know Halshan too from your time with her! I started it when she diagnosed my CRF cat Jett (GA 08) She gave me 4 more years than anyone else predicted. I too was lost after she sold her practice. I started RadCat this summer ( had used it in the past and gave it up)?because the vet where Gus boarded this summer unasked switched him to it while he was there. ( even tho I sent the Halshan which I had to toss because they just stuck the cooler in the fridge and never served his food.)

OMG!!! She was my vet too!! That is how I started feeding raw!! We have probably crossed paths in her waiting room!!!!!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

was my spreadsheet adjusted in any way because I'm using Alpha Trak

Yes but it's no big deal....let me know when you start to use the Relion instead and I'll make the changes that are needed

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I don't know what the TR means

TR is "Tight Regulation".....One of the 2 dosing methods we use here that I've told you about in earlier comments. It's the protocol that's been published in a veterinary journal so has scientific data behind it

SLGS is the "Start Low, Go Slow" method

 

[Taffysmama]

Yes but it's no big deal....let me know when you start to use the Relion instead and I'll make the changes that are needed

At Wal-Mart now...should I get the ReliOn micro, (needs only 0.3ul sample), or cheaper all-around ReliOn Prime, states 0.5 micro liters sample? Both are reasonably priced as far as I'm concerned, even though the Micro is more costly on test strips, I would pay if it's better. Still waaaayyy cheaper than AT2! Unfortunately, they are out of test strips for both meters at this store right now. Nevermind, they have, behind Pharma counter! @Chris & China

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

At Wal-Mart now...should I get the ReliOn micro, (needs only 0.3ul sample), or cheaper all-around ReliOn Prime, states 0.5 micro liters sample? Both are reasonably priced as far as I'm concerned, even though the Micro is mute costly on test strips, I would pay if it's better. Still waaaayyy cheaper than AT2! Unfortunately, they are out of test strips for both meters at this store right now.

It's really up to you! And your budget. I've been really happy with the micro forbwhat its worth and have boightbstrips on Amazon

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

At Wal-Mart now...should I get the ReliOn micro, (needs only 0.3ul sample), or cheaper all-around ReliOn Prime, states 0.5 micro liters sample? Both are reasonably priced as far as I'm concerned, even though the Micro is mute costly on test strips, I would pay if it's better. Still waaaayyy cheaper than AT2! Unfortunately, they are out of test strips for both meters at this store right now.

Hey you might also ask at the pharm counter, at the Afullerton store they keep more strips behind the counter

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

At Wal-Mart now...should I get the ReliOn micro, (needs only 0.3ul sample), or cheaper all-around ReliOn Prime, states 0.5 micro liters sample? Both are reasonably priced as far as I'm concerned, even though the Micro is more costly on test strips, I would pay if it's better. Still waaaayyy cheaper than AT2! Unfortunately, they are out of test strips for both meters at this store right now. Nevermind, they have, behind Pharma counter! @Chris & China

Glad you asked there!

 

[Taffysmama]

It's really up to you! And your budget. I've been really happy with the micro forbwhat its worth and have boightbstrips on Amazon

Is there a big difference in the blood sample size needed? I don't know how to envision a micro liter...
Wondered what the AT2 requires, but couldn't find that info on their website. The Prime meter + strips is super duper cheap.

 

[JanetNJ]

Is there a big difference in the blood sample size needed? I don't know how to envision a micro liter...
Wondered what the AT2 requires, but couldn't find that info on their website. The Prime meter + strips is super duper cheap.

Alpha is a 0.3 meter... I personally would get the micro between the two of them... The smaller blood size is better.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Is there a big difference in the blood sample size needed? I don't know how to envision a micro liter...
Wondered what the AT2 requires, but couldn't find that info on their website. The Prime meter + strips is super duper cheap.

It's like a drop the size of the head of a straight pin. I'd go with whichever one you are comfortable with, they are cheap and if you need to get the other as a back up later! flip a coin and the first one that comes to mind is what you'd really like to choose so get it!
But like I said, I'm the micro user!

 

[Taffysmama]

It's like a drop the size of the head of a straight pin. I'd go with whichever one you are comfortable with, they are cheap and if you need to get the other as a back up later! flip a coin and the first one that comes to mind is what you'd really like to choose so get it!
But like I said, I'm the micro user!

That's two votes for micro...Micro it is, then! Smaller blood amount is better, sometimes I don't get much.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

That's two votes for micro...Micro it is, then! Smaller blood amount is better, sometimes I don't get much.

WooHoo!! One decision marked "check"!

 

[Taffysmama]

Lol, I dilly-dated too long and now the pharmacy is closed! Getting the meter, back tomorrow for test strips. I'm late for testing + dinner!

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Lol, I dilly-dated too long and now the pharmacy is closed! Getting the meter, back tomorrow for test strips. I'm late for testing + dinner!

Oops!