Advice on testing for first ever Cycle

[krazy4kritters]

First off, I feel so blessed I found this site and group of wonderful, knowledgeable people just as Diamond was Dx and before we started insulin.
Tomorrow I’m starting his insulin. He will be getting Lantau. Vet said 1U twice a day. He is currently 23 lbs. Vet said he should be at 16. I think 18. I switched to an all canned diet after diagnosed. He was getting dry in the am wet in pm before. Diamond also has neuropathy.
Here’s my list of questions:
Is the 1U a good start dose?
How often should I check his BG levels?
Is the protocol test, feed and inject right after he’s done eating?
Should I wait to get his BG regulated before I start that vitamin that helps neuropathy? I read the article and I believe that is what was suggested. I just feel so bad for him. He can hardly walk.
Thanks go much for any advice!

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Sounds like you are on top of things!

Is the 1U a good start dose?

I think that sounds reasonable.

How often should I check his BG levels?

Minimum: a pre-shot test before each shot (we call these AMPS and PMPS), and at least one test in between. For the first day, assuming the pre-shot is pretty high, I think getting a mid-cycle test four hours after the shot (+4) is reasonable, but you can test earlier and go from there if you are feeling nervous.

Post here when you get your first pre-shot, especially if it's lower than you expect (we usually say not to shoot anything under 200 when you first start out, but post about any number you are concerned about).

Is the protocol test, feed and inject right after he’s done eating?

Test, feed, shoot is the order, yes. With Lantus, onset of action is about two hours in, so you have a little flexibility-- he doesn't have to have eaten a full meal before shooting, you just have to be sure that he's willing to eat and will have eaten by the time the insulin "hits". Some people find that it's easiest to shoot while their cat is eating (distraction!).

Should I wait to get his BG regulated before I start that vitamin that helps neuropathy? I read the article and I believe that is what was suggested. I just feel so bad for him. He can hardly walk.

I've never heard that, and personally I don't see any reason not to start the B12/Zobaline immediately. Both that and regulating glucose will be helpful for the neuropathy.

Good luck!

 

[Sean & Rufus]

Hi! I bought Zobaline https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008G3LI2M/?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20 and it helps tremendously. My guy is nowhere near regulated so I'd start your guy as soon as possible. My guy was also getting b12 injections weekly (6 total) at the vet. I have to ask them tomorrow if we need to do more.

I'm not expert on dosing, but my guy started at 1u and was was 23.5 at that time, so it looks to be right.

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Oh! I forgot to mention something about the pre-shot tests: we recommend removing food for the two hours before that pre-shot test. The reason is, you are testing to make sure that the BG is high enough to shoot, so you don't want the number to have a big food influence. The rest of the day, you can feed as normal.

 

[krazy4kritters]

Thanks!