First BG test at home

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Sorry I wasn't online last night but I agree 2u was a good choice. It will take a few cycles to be sure any bouncing has stopped and really see what the 2u is doing for Smokey. Will check in later to see what her AMPS is like this morning.
 
Good decision. Looks like Smokey is leveling off and hopefully will come down a tad more. She may need a small dose increase but I'd give the 2u another couple of cycles and do an increase when you can get another test in sometime after your pre-shot test.

Just a curiosity.... You shot 2.75u the other day. Do your syringes have 1/2 unit markings on them or did you just eyeball it? Having the 1/2 unit markings makes it easier to make small dose adjustments of 0.25u.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Good decision. Looks like Smokey is leveling off and hopefully will come down a tad more. She may need a small dose increase but I'd give the 2u another couple of cycles and do an increase when you can get another test in sometime after your pre-shot test.

Just a curiosity.... You shot 2.75u the other day. Do your syringes have 1/2 unit markings on them or did you just eyeball it? Having the 1/2 unit markings makes it easier to make small dose adjustments of 0.25u.
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I'm hoping to get a mid-cycle test today. I just eyeballed the 3/4 dose as my syringes have 1 unit markings.
 
Good to know. Something to think about..... If (positive vibes being sent) or when you need to stock up on syringes, there are two options. One is to get the U40 syringes with the 1/2 unit markings. These still require some eyeballing but it is a little easier than it is with full unit markings. The other option is to get u100 syringes and use a conversion chart. This option allows for even finer dose adjustments but you do have to be careful to use the conversion chart and double check when drawing up doses.
 
Thanks @JanetNJ and @MrWorfMen's Mom. i was able to test at +4 today and Smokey's BG was 6/108 which seems pretty good. should i try for a +6 also? if i need partial doses later on i will likely try to find some u40s with 1/2 unit markings. my own medical condition dictates not trying to do conversions (chronic migraine plus double vision)
cheers, Dhana
 
Nice! Liking that 108 a lot! :D It would be a good idea to get a +6 today. All data is good data as it gives you a better picture of when Smokey usually has her lowest reading and how fast she is processing the insulin.

It's entirely up to you which syringes you want to get and what you are comfortable with but just to be clear, you don't have to do any conversions yourself. You only have to look at a chart and then draw up the insulin according to the chart. :)
 
FelineFriend said:
Thanks @JanetNJ and @MrWorfMen's Mom. i was able to test at +4 today and Smokey's BG was 6/108 which seems pretty good. should i try for a +6 also? if i need partial doses later on i will likely try to find some u40s with 1/2 unit markings. my own medical condition dictates not trying to do conversions (chronic migraine plus double vision)
cheers, Dhana
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Sounds good! Never hurts to get as much data as possible.
 
Nice catch and great that you fed Smokey! That 4.4 , while a great number is a bit lower than you want her going at nadir unless you can test reliably and are available to do so. I'd aim for 5.0 - 5.6 as your goal for lowest BG when intensive monitoring is not an option. Not surprised Smokey was hungry. I'd be inclined to test her again anytime now to ensure her BG has come up. I think it might be prudent to reconsider her night dose tonight given we know she went that low and it looks like her nadir is a bit later than most. It will be interesting to see what her PMPS is. I'm guessing it may be up tonight given that lower reading today but we'll see if she calls my bluff or not.
 
FelineFriend said:
successful BG test at +6 after 2 units it was 4.4/79 Smokey was hungry so gave her some wet food.
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Ok so it seams like your lowest point is either 5 or 6. Good to know. Nice number. Do you use a human or pet meter? Either way it's good. Wouldn't want it going much lower, but it's a good number.
 
JanetNJ said:
Ok so it seams like your lowest point is either 5 or 6. Good to know. Nice number. Do you use a human or pet meter? Either way it's good. Wouldn't want it going much lower, but it's a good number.
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i use a human glucometer, Lifestyle lite that requires .1 micrometer of blood for testing.
 
Looks like she is on her way up now although some of that rise is likely food influence. Can you check her again at +9? It would be nice to see how long it is taking her to metabolize the insulin especially with what looks like a late nadir. Then we'll give Smokey and you a break until PMPS.:p I know all this testing is a pain and the "serf" doesn't like poking her girl but all this data is very helpful in figuring Smokey out and for making future decisions. :)

Dhana, is your meter a Freestyle Lite? I've never heard of a Lifestyle meter.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Looks like she is on her way up now although some of that rise is likely food influence. Can you check her again at +9? It would be nice to see how long it is taking her to metabolize the insulin especially with what looks like a late nadir. Then we'll give Smokey and you a break until PMPS.:p I know all this testing is a pain and the "serf" doesn't like poking her girl but all this data is very helpful in figuring Smokey out and for making future decisions. :)

Dhana, is your meter a Freestyle Lite? I've never heard of a Lifestyle meter.
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you are correct @MrWorfMen's Mom, it IS a Freestyle Lite. my brain misfiring is one reason i don't want to use syringes that require looking up conversions! i also purchased a Freestyle Precision Neo because it can test for ketones. it requires more blood though ☹
at +9 Smokey's BG was 11.9/214
 
Dhana, rule number one around here is that you must do what you are comfortable with because you know Smokey better than anyone else and you know your limitations. I'm not sure I'd want to use the conversion chart either because I'd be so OCD about making sure I was dosing properly. I just wanted to give you both options so you could pick for yourself. :)

Smokey's BG is definitely coming up now so we'll see where she is at PMPS. That 4.4 earlier today would suggest to me that her dose should be decreased a bit to perhaps 1.75u. That said, even if she seems higher tonight, (might be bouncing from the 4.4 earlier today) I'm inclined to think a dose of 1.5u tonight might be safer since many cats go lower at night than they do in the day. I'm assuming you don't want to be sitting up half the night testing Smokey so let's see what her PMPS is. I'll check back in about 11:30 my time (8:30 yours).
 
Hi Dhana, sorry if I am late. I think I would back off to at least 1.75u or even 1.5u tonight. I think some of that 14.3 PMPS is a bounce and Smokey earned a reduction in dose tonight with that 4.4 reading today. Can you test up to +3 to see how fast Smokey is dropping? If so, then I think the 1.75u is probably Ok otherwise I'd drop it to 1.5u for tonight and get another test before you hit the sack. If you can test tomorrow, take her up to 1.75u tomorrow morning AMPS permitting. I'm just a little concerned about the possibility of her going lower overnight while you are sleeping so I tend to be more conservative for night cycles.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Hi Dhana, sorry if I am late. I think I would back off to at least 1.75u or even 1.5u tonight. I think some of that 14.3 PMPS is a bounce and Smokey earned a reduction in dose tonight with that 4.4 reading today. Can you test up to +3 to see how fast Smokey is dropping? If so, then I think the 1.75u is probably Ok otherwise I'd drop it to 1.5u for tonight and get another test before you hit the sack. If you can test tomorrow, take her up to 1.75u tomorrow morning AMPS permitting. I'm just a little concerned about the possibility of her going lower overnight while you are sleeping so I tend to be more conservative for night cycles.
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Ok, thanks @MrWorfMen's Mom I will give her 1.5 units and check at +3 like you suggested. Thanks for staying up to check in!
 
No problem. You are definitely honing in on a better dose for Smokey. Kudos for staying on top of things today, catching her lowest point and feeding her to keep her safe. You're doing a great job with her and that extra data from today will help immensely in the days to come. :) She's looking good!
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
No problem. You are definitely honing in on a better dose for Smokey. Kudos for staying on top of things today, catching her lowest point and feeding her to keep her safe. You're doing a great job with her and that extra data from today will help immensely in the days to come. :) She's looking good!
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She didn't have much of an appetite after her PMPS test so I went with the lower dose. I will be staying up for awhile anyways to keep an eye on her.
 
I really wish that you could get the meter I have because I just did a test my kitty and I got the most smallest mount of blood and it works. With this meter it works very fast and with the tiniest amount. It's called a prodigy test meter
 
I actually have a brand- new meter that I have never even opened the box and I've had it for a year already. And I was thinking about sending it to you but I have no idea how you can get the test strips if you can't find the prodigy meter . Test strips to run three dollars for 50
 
The meter Dhana is using needs the smallest sample available in any glucometer and it won't read unless it has a sufficient sample. I think any problems with testing are just because Smokey's ears have not yet grown extra capillaries yet. As one tests, the ears will give up their gold a little easier. And just like humans, some cats bleed better than others.
 
oops! I was wrong about the test strip price, I just checked my receipt and discovered that I actually was not charged for them. I do you know they only run around $10-$12 at the pharmacy that I use but if I were to buy the exact same test strips at CVS they run around $35 .
So if CVS sells the strips, they should sell the meter to.

Just a few mins ago, skittles shook his head before I can get the test strip up to his ear so I just scraped the test strip against his fur and still got enough to test. I'm just thinking that this will be easier for you until you start free handing

By the way I am using my microphone instead of typing because among other health issues my tennis elbow is really bothering me so moving my fingers makes it worse but using the microphone really messes up my post sometimes because it will insert weird word or change my words because I have a southern accent. Just don't want y'all to think I'm drunk LOL!
 
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MrWorfMen's Mom said:
The meter Dhana is using needs the smallest sample available in any glucometer and it won't read unless it has a sufficient sample. I think any problems with testing are just because Smokey's ears have not yet grown extra capillaries yet. As one tests, the ears will give up their gold a little easier. And just like humans, some cats bleed better than others.
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I totally believe that because now I barely have to touch skittles and he will start bleeding. I can't even use the sweet spot anymore because too much blood comes out. I did just test his brother who I never test and it took little longer for him to bleed Compared to skittles but it was still only a teeny amount.
 
sherrib said:
I actually have a brand- new meter that I have never even opened the box and I've had it for a year already. And I was thinking about sending it to you but I have no idea how you can get the test strips if you can't find the prodigy meter . Test strips to run three dollars for 50
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That is very generous @sherrib but its me not the meter. The one I have uses only .1 micro litres Thanks very much anyways!
 
FelineFriend said:
You're welcome @sherrib fortunately the spreadsheet makes it easy to do - thanks to the designer!
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You are welcome, I don't know how to convert Canada to the US so when you post the US numbers it just made it a lot easier for me. I got somebody here to make my SS and right now I cannot remember who it is so I can give them credit for it
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
The meter Dhana is using needs the smallest sample available in any glucometer and it won't read unless it has a sufficient sample. I think any problems with testing are just because Smokey's ears have not yet grown extra capillaries yet. As one tests, the ears will give up their gold a little easier. And just like humans, some cats bleed better than others.
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Yes that's so true. I tried donating blood once and three people came, filled their pouches with blood, and left while my pouch was less than half full! It also seems to help when I make sure my hands are warm.
 
FelineFriend said:
Yes that's so true. I tried donating blood once and three people came, filled their pouches with blood, and left while my pouch was less than half full! It also seems to help when I make sure my hands are warm.
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Slow blood must run in the family LOL! But like Linda said the more testing the more the ears " grow"easier to test. Pretty soon you are going to be giving advice to a newbie and making them feel so much better
 
sorry @JanetNJ i not sure i understand - are the ranges you're referring to the pre shot values? i am going to find u40 syringes with ½u markings so i can be more confident in my .25 increments.
i also had the horrifying realization that all of my pre shot numbers may be skewed! i did not remove bowls of dry kibble 2 hours prior. ☹ yesterday however i was with Smokey and i'm pretty sure she did not eat any food.
anyhow, today's AMPS was 12.5/225 so i guess i should stay with the 1.5u?
 
Yes the numbers Janet is referring to are pre-shots. And yes, you should remove food for at least 2 hours prior to doing the pre-shot tests. So given that we don't know for absolute sure if Smokey's pre-shot numbers have been food influenced, I'd stick with the 1.5u today and we'll see where that takes her. Gotta run but will be back this afternoon. If you can, get tests at +3 and +6 to see what she is doing. If she is dropping fast by +3 you can give her a little snack (tsp or 2 of wet food) to slow down her drop and of course you can always test her again to keep watch and post here if you need any advice. :)
 
well this is so not making sense... after 1.5u this morning, at +3 Smokey had dropped to 4.1/74 but yesterday morning it took about 6 hours to get to nadir. part of the problem is although i'm feeding her Wellness canned food, the others are still free feeding Call of the Wild dry. i know, i know, that's way too high carbohydrate but it's all i have now until i can arrange to get Young Again shipped. i'm fortunate that i live near the border so will be able to get YA even tho i live in Canada. i'm not fortunate in that i'm still not able to get my car up my driveway so i can't easily get into town to get some Wellness core dry food interim 'til the weekend when hubby is home with the 4x4. and i'm even more fortunate that i'm able to stay home with my cats...tho that's because i'm in constant extreme pain and can't work... my plan eventually is to feed wet low carb and crystal friendly 2x / day and let them free feed on YA.
 
FelineFriend said:
well this is so not making sense... after 1.5u this morning, at +3 Smokey had dropped to 4.1/74 but yesterday morning it took about 6 hours to get to nadir. part of the problem is although i'm feeding her Wellness canned food, the others are still free feeding Call of the Wild dry. i know, i know, that's way too high carbohydrate but it's all i have now until i can arrange to get Young Again shipped. i'm fortunate that i live near the border so will be able to get YA even tho i live in Canada. i'm not fortunate in that i'm still not able to get my car up my driveway so i can't easily get into town to get some Wellness core dry food interim 'til the weekend when hubby is home with the 4x4. and i'm even more fortunate that i'm able to stay home with my cats...tho that's because i'm in constant extreme pain and can't work... my plan eventually is to feed wet low carb and crystal friendly 2x / day and let them free feed on YA.
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Yes, you'll see more stable numbers once there high carb food is out of the picture. Re crystals: one thing that can help is to add warm water to every wet food meal to increase urine volume/bladder flushing.
 
thanks @Kris & Teasel i always have added warm water to wet food which is usually given as a treat - to warm it from fridge, to slow down two of my vacuum cleaners, and to increase water intake because one male kitty has had crystal problems in the past.
at +5 Smokey's BG had started to rise, 6/108. i think i will sty with 1.5 u tonight and i will be sure to remove all bowls of food 2hrs prior to preshot test. thanks for everyone's input
 
FelineFriend said:
sorry @JanetNJ i not sure i understand - are the ranges you're referring to the pre shot values? i am going to find u40 syringes with ½u markings so i can be more confident in my .25 increments.
i also had the horrifying realization that all of my pre shot numbers may be skewed! i did not remove bowls of dry kibble 2 hours prior. ☹ yesterday however i was with Smokey and i'm pretty sure she did not eat any food.
anyhow, today's AMPS was 12.5/225 so i guess i should stay with the 1.5u?
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Yes, preshot numbers.
 
FelineFriend said:
this is so not making sense...
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Here we are at the conundrum of dealing with feline diabetes. My view of this is that yesterday Smokey was still in a bounce in the morning and then it "broke" which is exactly what we wanted to happen. Today she followed a more expected course with Caninsulin in that she reached a low at +3 instead of at +6. Nadirs (lowest reading) can move a bit but with Caninsulin, they are more often around +3 or +4 than at +6. If I were you, I would think about dropping her to 1.25u tonight just to be safe. It's obvious the dose the vet had her on was way too high and she now has other ideas but things are definitely moving in the right direction. :D

Food wise do you mean Taste of the Wild. If so it's about 22% carbs which while too high is not the worst you can get. I was feeding that to my girl for a time while I tried to find something with less carbs available in Canada that she would eat. You are definitely lucky to be near the border and able to get Young Again (she says as her green eyes get greener ;)). When you do get the Young Again, it's likely you are going to see Smokey's need for insulin drop considerably so I'd make the switch slowly over a few days to a week and monitor Smokey closely.
 
FelineFriend said:
well this is so not making sense... after 1.5u this morning, at +3 Smokey had dropped to 4.1/74 but yesterday morning it took about 6 hours to get to nadir. part of the problem is although i'm feeding her Wellness canned food, the others are still free feeding Call of the Wild dry. i know, i know, that's way too high carbohydrate but it's all i have now until i can arrange to get Young Again shipped. i'm fortunate that i live near the border so will be able to get YA even tho i live in Canada. i'm not fortunate in that i'm still not able to get my car up my driveway so i can't easily get into town to get some Wellness core dry food interim 'til the weekend when hubby is home with the 4x4. and i'm even more fortunate that i'm able to stay home with my cats...tho that's because i'm in constant extreme pain and can't work... my plan eventually is to feed wet low carb and crystal friendly 2x / day and let them free feed on YA.
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Oh! Good that you can drive over the boarder to get it. Contraband cat food. Lol. I found once the food spike equation was removed when I started ya food, the numbers were even easier to predict.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Here we are at the conundrum of dealing with feline diabetes. My view of this is that yesterday Smokey was still in a bounce in the morning and then it "broke" which is exactly what we wanted to happen. Today she followed a more expected course with Caninsulin in that she reached a low at +3 instead of at +6. Nadirs (lowest reading) can move a bit but with Caninsulin, they are more often around +3 or +4 than at +6. If I were you, I would think about dropping her to 1.25u tonight just to be safe. It's obvious the dose the vet had her on was way too high and she now has other ideas but things are definitely moving in the right direction. :D

Food wise do you mean Taste of the Wild. If so it's about 22% carbs which while too high is not the worst you can get. I was feeding that to my girl for a time while I tried to find something with less carbs available in Canada that she would eat. You are definitely lucky to be near the border and able to get Young Again (she says as her green eyes get greener ;)). When you do get the Young Again, it's likely you are going to see Smokey's need for insulin drop considerably so I'd make the switch slowly over a few days to a week and monitor Smokey closely.
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thanks, i do not understand the physiology of bounces, but is it expected that at +9 Smokey would be up to 15.6/281? she was sleeping just before i tested but so was i so not sure if she ate some TASTE of the Wild recently. do you still think i should drop the insulin tonight? i was not planning to, especially since i have not yet found 40U syringes with the 1/2u markings.
tonight i removed all of the food dishes, of course now everyone is letting me know they were "just about" to eat so why did i take it away?! i figure it's about time i got them back for all the times i am "just about" to get out (or in) of my chair and one or more cats magically appear
 
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