Curve Results in Graph Format - Which Shape is Most Ideal?

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Just put all of Ozzy's recent BG curves in graph format so I could get a better idea of what they look like. I keep hearing references to upside down bell curve, check mark, flat, etc.

Which shape is most ideal? We are still trying to figure out which dose is best for Ozzy.

Link here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UAArolCBI067ZpYQNCsq8WVweCk_t8f5XnuRwZVANBo/edit

And in my signature below.

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I can't view your graphs - says I need permission.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

I can't view your graphs - says I need permission.[/QUOTE
QUOTE]

Uh oh...ok, let me see how to give permissions. I forgot how to publish on google docs. Let me try again!

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

ok, tried to publish it. Try this link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KEkVpX89HrGjUPXDlVsBJB69FBNCg-ICZCxGNXpCSGw/pub

 

[Kris & Teasel]

If I was only looking at these graphs and nothing else:

• Most ideal shape is on 12/16 at 1 U - seen out of context would suggest slightly too low a dose
• Most show nadir at +3 or +4
• ∆BG is too large on 12/10, 12/11, 12/17, 12/23 - all doses but one (1U on on 12/23) are over 1U
• Dose too low on 12/22, 12/24, 12/25, 12/26, 12/27, 12/28 (maybe), 12/29 (maybe)
• Confusing/conflicting: 12/21 - almost a good dose?| 12/22 versus 12/16 versus 12/23

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

If I was only looking at these graphs and nothing else:

• Most ideal shape is on 12/16 at 1 U - seen out of context would suggest slightly too low a dose
• Most show nadir at +3 or +4
• ∆BG is too large on 12/10, 12/11, 12/17, 12/23 - all doses but one (1U on on 12/23) are over 1U
• Dose too low on 12/22, 12/24, 12/25, 12/26, 12/27, 12/28 (maybe), 12/29 (maybe)
• Confusing/conflicting: 12/21 - almost a good dose?| 12/22 versus 12/16 versus 12/23

Kris, I really appreciate you taking a look and providing your feedback.
So I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place on what should be the best dose for Ozzy without giving him too much or too little. Seems it is somewhere between .75 and 1U. What do you think?

Do you think if we stick with a consistent dose (given it is the correct dose), his numbers will naturally start coming down over time?

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Kris, I really appreciate you taking a look and providing your feedback.
So I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place on what should be the best dose for Ozzy without giving him too much or too little. Seems it is somewhere between .75 and 1U. What do you think?

Do you think if we stick with a consistent dose (given it is the correct dose), his numbers will naturally start coming down over time?

I personally like looking at graphs but they require curve data.

It seems that at this point in time, something between 0.75 u and 1 u might work. If you're using U40 syringes, you could fill to 1 u and let out a small drop that makes the level look like a bit more than 0.75 u. The complicating factor is that the correct dose can be a moving target.

If you plan to continue with Vetsulin for a while I suggest you get some U100 syringes. Those, along with the conversion table, allow you to directly measure (using marks on the syringe barrel) 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 units.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

If you plan to continue with Vetsulin for a while I suggest you get some U100 syringes. Those, along with the conversion table, allow you to directly measure (using marks on the syringe barrel) 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 units.

Thank you. This is a good suggestion.

Ozzy has just come up to the timeframe for his Vestulin to be replaced (if following the replace every month rule). I will need to replace his insulin soon and am really thinking it is time to switch. I'd like to give one of the L insulins a try since they seem to get much more positive feedback on this board than some of the others (like Vestulin). I'm having a hard time with the price though but will look into the options others have offered in ways to get it cheaper (pens, Canadian pharmacy, etc).

What should I be considering when making an insulin switch? Do you think this is the right choice if you were me? Do you start your kitty immediately on the same dose right away? Should you only start when you are able to do a curve for a couple of days and monitor? I have 4 days (including today) off before I go back to work and won't be able to closely monitor until next weekend. I'm really nervous about all of this...

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I myself like the the little less than 1 1/4 units.
However, you are seeing a steep drop which is typical of Vetsulin. I would change to a longer lasting insulin. I prefer Levemir.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Thank you. This is a good suggestion.

Ozzy has just come up to the timeframe for his Vestulin to be replaced (if following the replace every month rule). I will need to replace his insulin soon and am really thinking it is time to switch. I'd like to give one of the L insulins a try since they seem to get much more positive feedback on this board than some of the others (like Vestulin). I'm having a hard time with the price though but will look into the options others have offered in ways to get it cheaper (pens, Canadian pharmacy, etc).

What should I be considering when making an insulin switch? Do you think this is the right choice if you were me? Do you start your kitty immediately on the same dose right away? Should you only start when you are able to do a curve for a couple of days and monitor? I have 4 days (including today) off before I go back to work and won't be able to closely monitor until next weekend. I'm really nervous about all of this...

I live in Canada so Lantus is cheap for me, relatively speaking. My cat started on Lantus and was on it for two months until he got DKA. I switched him to ProZinc afterward. The reasons for the DKA weren't specifically Lantus-related. They were more related to my cat's inability to follow any rules. I wasn't dosing as per FDMB so he bounced severely then got stuck in high numbers which lead to DKA.

I can't advise on the best way to transition to a new insulin. I'm reconsidering Lantus for my cat because I know so much more about dosing etc. now. He's still bouncing like a rubber ball on ProZinc. Haven't made up my mind yet. He could still bounce on Lantus - he's proven that he can.