? Newbie question on initial dose

[allison snyder]

Hi,

Newly diagnosed sugar cat and vet prescribed 2 units 2x a day. After finding this group I realize that is too high to start. At the vet his number was 500. I changed diet to FF pate and started home testing. Big difference with diet change. Less water consumption. It’s been almost two weeks and ready to start insulin. My question is what dose should I start with? His numbers have mostly been anywhere from low 200’s to low 300’s. Highest 318 and yesterday am he was 161. I test twice a day after fasting. Also, he has thrown up a greenish/yellowish liquid a couple of times in the mornings before he eats, since diet change.

 

[tiffmaxee]

Welcome to you and your kitty. What type of meter are you using? Kudos to you for home testing, making a diet change, and waiting to start insulin. We need you to set up a spreadsheet and add a signature. Look at my signature to see what types of things to add.

Some reading:

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/the-basics-new-to-the-group-start-here.18139/

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/

How much does your cat weigh? Is he over or binder weight? How old is he? Any other medical issues or medications ? The dosing method you choose will help determine the starting dose. Does your vet know you changed food and are testing at home? That should change his starting dose.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Welcome to the group!

The starting dose of Lantus is based on your cat's weight. Initial dose = 0.25 x ideal weight in kilograms unless your cat is considerably underweight. This formula generally calculates out to around 1.0u, give or take.

Please take a look at the sticky notes at the top of the board. We'd greatly appreciate your setting up a signature (which has much of what you included in your post -- insulin, diet, your cat's name, date of diagnosis, etc.). Just as importantly, there are instructions for setting up a spreadsheet, along with other helpful information, in the New to the Group sticky.

As Elise noted, we recommend two dosing methods. Take a look at them both and see which you think will best suit you and your kitty. Regardless of which dosing method you use, you will need to get more than 2 tests per day. The pre-shot tests are essential for letting you know if it's safe to give an insulin injection. However, Lantus dosing is based on the nadir -- the lowest point in the cycle. That means you will need to get at least one additional test during the AM and PM cycles. Don't panic if you look at Gabby's or Max's spreadsheets. Elise and I were testaholics. I'm a big fan of data!!

Chances are your kitty is having a bit of an acid stomach. You might want to leave food out overnight. As long as your cat doesn't eat 2 hours prior to shot time you're good. Many people here use a timed feeder so they don't have to wake up to give their cat a snack.

 

[allison snyder]

Welcome to the group!

The starting dose of Lantus is based on your cat's weight. Initial dose = 0.25 x ideal weight in kilograms unless your cat is considerably underweight. This formula generally calculates out to around 1.0u, give or take.

Please take a look at the sticky notes at the top of the board. We'd greatly appreciate your setting up a signature (which has much of what you included in your post -- insulin, diet, your cat's name, date of diagnosis, etc.). Just as importantly, there are instructions for setting up a spreadsheet, along with other helpful information, in the New to the Group sticky.

As Elise noted, we recommend two dosing methods. Take a look at them both and see which you think will best suit you and your kitty. Regardless of which dosing method you use, you will need to get more than 2 tests per day. The pre-shot tests are essential for letting you know if it's safe to give an insulin injection. However, Lantus dosing is based on the nadir -- the lowest point in the cycle. That means you will need to get at least one additional test during the AM and PM cycles. Don't panic if you look at Gabby's or Max's spreadsheets. Elise and I were testaholics. I'm a big fan of data!!

Chances are your kitty is having a bit of an acid stomach. You might want to leave food out overnight. As long as your cat doesn't eat 2 hours prior to shot time you're good. Many people here use a timed feeder so they don't have to wake up to give their cat a snack.

Welcome to you and your kitty. What type of meter are you using? Kudos to you for home testing, making a diet change, and waiting to start insulin. We need you to set up a spreadsheet and add a signature. Look at my signature to see what types of things to add.

Some reading:

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/the-basics-new-to-the-group-start-here.18139/

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/

How much does your cat weigh? Is he over or binder weight? How old is he? Any other medical issues or medications ? The dosing method you choose will help determine the starting dose. Does your vet know you changed food and are testing at home? That should change his starting dose.

Hi,

I’m using the Relion Prime meter and he weighs 12lbs, 8 or 9 years old. Only other health issue is a heart murmur. I am waiting for my vet to call me back, to give him an update on diet etc...unfortunately with Covid, we have to hand our pets off outside and don’t quite get the personalization anymore. I’m so glad to have found this group. Realizing many vets just prescribe without asking about diet or having much knowledge about it.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Based on the formula, the starting dose would be 1.25u. Syringes come in half unit increments. It might be easier to start out with 1.0u until you get used to drawing up insulin and shooting.