? HELP!! First glucose test

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GinnyBarr

GinnyBarr

Member Since 2017
Just did my Kitty's first at home test. I use the one touch ultra. It said 65. Is that good? Bad?
 
No, that's fine. It's just that 65 is a safe number on a human meter, but a bit too low on a pet meter, so I wanted to make sure that was from a human meter.

How many hours since her injection?
 
Djamila said:
No, that's fine. It's just that 65 is a safe number on a human meter, but a bit too low on a pet meter, so I wanted to make sure that was from a human meter.

How many hours since her injection?
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6. I read that with Lantus, you should do it half way through. Should I do another one right before the shot? Do I not give it to her? Do I give it to her after?
 
Grats on first test! :) Once you get the hang of testing you'll always want to do pre-shot tests. Just make sure she has not eaten for 2 hours prior to pre-test time so the number is not food influenced. 65 is a nice nadir, assuming she is hitting it at +6. There is no converting the numbers, just know with the human meter 50 is the take action number like Djamila stated.
Can you setup your signature with some information? http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/
 
You definitely do another test before the next shot. And before every shot.

And great job getting a mid-cycle test! Those are soooo important for knowing if your kitty is at the right dose!

Now I'm going to overload you with directions. Are you ready?

1. What is your kitty's name?

2. Since you're using Lantus, you'll want to post in the Lantus forum where there are lots of very experienced people who can help you out. I use a different insulin, so other than telling you that her number is safe and super healthy, I can't be much help on the specifics that you'll need to learn.

3. Creating a signature will really help us all get to know you, and remember the key details so we don't have to ask you to repeat yourself a million times. You do that under your profile.

4. Setting up a spreadsheet is also very important so that people on here can help you learn to read the trends in your kitty's numbers, and can give you good guidance as you go forward. You just enter the numbers and the color coding happens automatically. Here is the link for that:

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
 
Okay, that was a lot all at once. One step at a time, and ask for help if you get stuck on any of it. There are people who can help you get through it.

And how is your kitty feeling this afternoon? Anymore poop issues? :confused:;):)
 
Djamila said:
You definitely do another test before the next shot. And before every shot.

And great job getting a mid-cycle test! Those are soooo important for knowing if your kitty is at the right dose!

Now I'm going to overload you with directions. Are you ready?

1. What is your kitty's name?

2. Since you're using Lantus, you'll want to post in the Lantus forum where there are lots of very experienced people who can help you out. I use a different insulin, so other than telling you that her number is safe and super healthy, I can't be much help on the specifics that you'll need to learn.

3. Creating a signature will really help us all get to know you, and remember the key details so we don't have to ask you to repeat yourself a million times. You do that under your profile.

4. Setting up a spreadsheet is also very important so that people on here can help you learn to read the trends in your kitty's numbers, and can give you good guidance as you go forward. You just enter the numbers and the color coding happens automatically. Here is the link for that:

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
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Thank you. Feeling better.
 
Since you are just starting home-testing GOOD JOB!!! Here are some basic guidelines for giving shots with Lantus when you are first starting out or first home testing.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-levemir-start-low-go-slow-method-slgs.129446/
  • Below 150 mg/dl (8.3 mmol/L), don't give insulin.
  • Between 150 and 200 (8.3-11.1 mmol/L), you have three options: a.) give nothing; b.) give a token dose (10-25% of the usual dose); c.) feed as usual, test in a couple of hours, and make a decision based on that value.
  • Above 200 (11.1 mmol/L) but below the cat's normal pre-shot value, a reduced dose might be wise.
  • In all cases, if you are reducing or eliminating insulin, it's wise to check for ketones in the urine.
  • Above the normal pre-shot value, give the usual dose, but if the pre-shot value is consistently elevated, it's a good idea to schedule a full glucose curve to see whether a change in dose or insulin is appropriate. In most cases, the target "peak" value should not be below 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/L), and for some cats it might be higher.

Please do test before the next shot is due. Do not feed for at least 2 hours before testing so that food is not influencing the numbers. If you are unsure whether to shoot or not, please repost for further help.
 
Djamila said:
Okay, that was a lot all at once. One step at a time, and ask for help if you get stuck on any of it. There are people who can help you get through it.

And how is your kitty feeling this afternoon? Anymore poop issues? :confused:;):)
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She's feeling great. Hasn't had diarrhea since this morning. I just picked up a probiotic. You guys are all so great.
 
Yong said:
Grats on first test! :) Once you get the hang of testing you'll always want to do pre-shot tests. Just make sure she has not eaten for 2 hours prior to pre-test time so the number is not food influenced. 65 is a nice nadir, assuming she is hitting it at +6. There is no converting the numbers, just know with the human meter 50 is the take action number like Djamila stated.
Can you setup your signature with some information? http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/
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Thanks for the info. I did not know about the 2 hour fast. You're awesome. Always one of the first with advice. Ty.
 
Ok
Tuxedo Mom said:
Since you are just starting home-testing GOOD JOB!!! Here are some basic guidelines for giving shots with Lantus when you are first starting out or first home testing.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-levemir-start-low-go-slow-method-slgs.129446/
  • Below 150 mg/dl (8.3 mmol/L), don't give insulin.
  • Between 150 and 200 (8.3-11.1 mmol/L), you have three options: a.) give nothing; b.) give a token dose (10-25% of the usual dose); c.) feed as usual, test in a couple of hours, and make a decision based on that value.
  • Above 200 (11.1 mmol/L) but below the cat's normal pre-shot value, a reduced dose might be wise.
  • In all cases, if you are reducing or eliminating insulin, it's wise to check for ketones in the urine.
  • Above the normal pre-shot value, give the usual dose, but if the pre-shot value is consistently elevated, it's a good idea to schedule a full glucose curve to see whether a change in dose or insulin is appropriate. In most cases, the target "peak" value should not be below 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/L), and for some cats it might be higher.
Please do test before the next shot is due. Do not feed for at least 2 hours before testing so that food is not influencing the numbers. If you are unsure whether to shoot or not, please repost for further help.
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Ok. Will do. Is 65 too low?
 
I just saw your post about testing. I hope I didn't just scare you!

So let's back up a little....CONGRATULATIONS on getting your first test done!!! That's a huge step! Take a minute and be proud of yourself!

Are you in a timezone where it would be appropriate to pour yourself a glass of champagne/wine/beer? The first one is the hardest, and you did a great job!
 
Djamila said:
I just saw your post about testing. I hope I didn't just scare you!

So let's back up a little....CONGRATULATIONS on getting your first test done!!! That's a huge step! Take a minute and be proud of yourself!

Are you in a timezone where it would be appropriate to pour yourself a glass of champagne/wine/beer? The first one is the hardest, and you did a great job!
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Lol. Ty. You're very helpful. Didn't scare me and it's 5:00 somewhere, lol. Actually, I'm in NY, I can start, lol.
 
Djamila said:
It's not too low at nadir (the low point in the 12-hour cycle), but it would be too low to give an injection right now. You still have six hours before your next injection though, right?
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Yes. So if the numbers are below what??? Do I give her the shot??
 
If you scroll back up to @Tuxedo Mom's post, it shows you the guidelines and a link to the protocol for Lantus.

Rough answer is don't shoot below 150, but there's a bit more to it than that.

And if you have any doubt, post in the Lantus forum (or here) and ask for advice before giving the injection. Always better to ask and be safe.
 
Djamila said:
If you scroll back up to @Tuxedo Mom's post, it shows you the guidelines and a link to the protocol for Lantus.

Rough answer is don't shoot below 150, but there's a bit more to it than that.

And if you have any doubt, post in the Lantus forum (or here) and ask for advice before giving the injection. Always better to ask and be safe.
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Absolutely. I just posted this in the Lantus forum. She's so below 159 and that's ok? I'm sorry to ask so much. She's my life. :)
 
Can you get the Spreadsheet set up to start recording your numbers? It's hard for us to just go on a nice nadir. Djamila gave you the link for SS and if you need help setting it up we have someone who can help. All you'd have to do is enter numbers in appropriate cell :). And I gave you the Signature information link, helps those of us with bad memories :D
 
GinnyBarr said:
Absolutely. I just posted this in the Lantus forum. She's so below 159 and that's ok? I'm sorry to ask so much. She's my life. :)
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She's referring when you do the Pre-shot test tonight. I might push your no shoot number to anything below 200 since you don't have data yet, just to be safe. We're not sure where she started this morning to drop down to 65 or what dose that is on.

Once you start getting some data on your spreadsheet, the Lantus folks can help with dosing advice :cat:. Djamila and I use another insulin but can help with some of the general things ;)
 
Ok
Yong said:
She's referring when you do the Pre-shot test tonight. I might push your no shoot number to anything below 200 since you don't have data yet, just to be safe. We're not sure where she started this morning to drop down to 65 or what dose that is on.

Once you start getting some data on your spreadsheet, the Lantus folks can help with dosing advice :cat:. Djamila and I use another insulin but can help with some of the general things ;)
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Ok. I think I set the profile up. Can you check if I did it. I saw the spreadsheet. Unfortunately, I do not have a printer or a computer right now. I'm using my phone. Is there an app?
 
Click on your username at top right of the page, yours will be GinnyBarr | Inbox | Alerts. A popdown menu should show, click Signature. Enter kitty's name, Dx date, any other health issues, insulin type and dose, meter, any other tidbits, and general time zone or location (i.e. NY). Then Save changes
 
Hello and welcome! I just posted on the Lantus thread, but I'll repeat what I said here so everything is in one place:
_____________________________________________
Congratulations on your first test! :cat:

Is there any chance of getting another test at +7 (i.e., 7hrs post-AM shot, an hour after your last test) in addition to the planned PM pre-shot? Just want to make sure she's not dipping any further-- 65 is a fantastic number, but you don't want her going too much lower.

o answer your question, when you are still new and gathering data and getting to know your cat's patterns, we say that above 200 should be OK to shoot, below 200 requires caution.

If you get a number below 200, stall-- don't feed her yet, post here for some advice and to get people paying attention, and then test again in 20-30mins, reporting that number. Lantus takes a couple hours before it really gets going, so it might be OK to shoot a lower-than-usual number because it's clear that blood glucose is moving upwards and will be high enough by the time the shot takes effect.

That 65 is very exciting in a very new diabetic-- she's doing great already!
 
Yong said:
Click on your username at top right of the page, yours will be GinnyBarr | Inbox | Alerts. A popdown menu should show, click Signature. Enter kitty's name, Dx date, any other health issues, insulin type and dose, meter, any other tidbits, and general time zone or location (i.e. NY). Then Save changes
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Ok. I think I did it.
 
Yeah! I can see it! Great job!

Does Pia have any other health issues? If so, those are good to put in the signature. And also which meter you are using.

Some people put the specific food since that can impact numbers a lot, but if you're still figuring out what foods she likes, don't worry about that part.
 
I can see signature info now! You don't need to put her reading from today, that's what the SS will be for :). For her dose, I think you mean 1 unit twice a day.

Ah yes, add meter type too. Think yours was the OneTouch Ultra
 
Djamila said:
Yeah! I can see it! Great job!

Does Pia have any other health issues? If so, those are good to put in the signature. And also which meter you are using.

Some people put the specific food since that can impact numbers a lot, but if you're still figuring out what foods she likes, don't worry about that part.
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Yong said:
I can see signature info now! You don't need to put her reading from today, that's what the SS will be for :). For her dose, I think you mean 1 unit twice a day.
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We're so picky, aren't we? ;):bighug:
 
Djamila said:
Yeah! I can see it! Great job!

Does Pia have any other health issues? If so, those are good to put in the signature. And also which meter you are using.

Some people put the specific food since that can impact numbers a lot, but if you're still figuring out what foods she likes, don't worry about that part.
Click to expand...
Ok. Ty. The one touch mini.
 
One comment on the signature-- I don't think you mean 1cc, that would be a pretty big starting dose, even for an 18.5lb cat! Do you mean 1 unit? (typical Lantus syringes hold 30 units, or 0.3 cc of liquid).

Love the 73! We call that "surfing". The kind of numbers she's been in today will allow her pancreas to start healing and (eventually) producing its own insulin!
 
Nan & Amber said:
One comment on the signature-- I don't think you mean 1cc, that would be a pretty big starting dose, even for an 18.5lb cat! Do you mean 1 unit? (typical Lantus syringes hold 30 units, or 0.3 cc of liquid).

Love the 73! We call that "surfing". The kind of numbers she's been in today will allow her pancreas to start healing and (eventually) producing its own insulin!
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Lol. I'm gonna assume yes, one unit.
 
Yong said:
We are!:D but the Signature really helps me lol. I wish the process could be made mandatory in setup before doing anything else :rolleyes:
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Am I supposed to replace the lancet every time? I have been. I wasn't sure if I could use one a day instead of several. Ty.
 
Nan & Amber said:
One comment on the signature-- I don't think you mean 1cc, that would be a pretty big starting dose, even for an 18.5lb cat! Do you mean 1 unit? (typical Lantus syringes hold 30 units, or 0.3 cc of liquid).

Love the 73! We call that "surfing". The kind of numbers she's been in today will allow her pancreas to start healing and (eventually) producing its own insulin!
Click to expand...
Ok. So she was supposed to get her shot and the reading was 109. Do I feed her? Or wait to feed and test her again in an hour?
 
So far. 65 at the 6 hour mark. 73 at the 7 hour mark and now 109 at the 12 hour mark. Do I skip the shot? Feed her? Take another test in an hour? It was a small amount of blood, does that matter? I'm scared.
 
Don't be scared. She's still safe. Can you try to re-test? If it was a small amount of blood, it can mis-read.

And don't give her an injection at 109. Funny...my cat was at 109 tonight too!
 
Djamila said:
Don't be scared. She's still safe. Can you try to re-test? If it was a small amount of blood, it can mis-read.

And don't give her an injection at 109. Funny...my cat was at 109 tonight too!
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I'll try. She was getting annoyed. I got a good amount and when I went to put it on the strip, the stupid machine turned off. I'm too slow. It should stay on longer. Very frustrating.
 
GinnyBarr said:
I'll try. She was getting annoyed. I got a good amount and when I went to put it on the strip, the stupid machine turned off. I'm too slow. It should stay on longer. Very frustrating.
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We've all been there. You'll get faster, and Pia will stop caring. It's a process. Just give her a treat after you poke to woo her into cooperating.
 
Djamila said:
We've all been there. You'll get faster, and Pia will stop caring. It's a process. Just give her a treat after you poke to woo her into cooperating.
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106 and a big ol drop of blood. Should I feed her and skip the shot? Test in the morning?
 
We'll be able to help more once we see some patterns in data :). If she's at a lower pre-shot number you will do something we call Stalling. Don't feed, wait 20 minutes and retest. If the next reading is not rising you can stall again, up to an hour total. This will move shot time 30 minutes late. If the numbers decrease, then Do Not Give Insulin. Since you're just starting, if number is not getting anywhere near 200 or higher, Do Not Give Insulin either. Until we get more data :cat:
 
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