Blackie’s mom
Member Since 2020
Hi there, I’m following as my Kitty Blackie got diagnosed a week ago, too. Still trying to figure things out. What do TR and SLGS mean? Thx! =^..^=
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- Thread starter Jenifer
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Jenifer
Member Since 2020
Hi Diana. This thread has been amazing!!! So much info! TR is “tight regulation” and SLGS means “start low, go slow.”
Check out all the links that people have posted on this thread too. I followed some advice I got earlier and got 3 different types of wet food with 3 different carb values. Low, medium and high in case of a hypo incident. Still feeding dry also. Good luck! I hope you and Blackie are doing good
Check out all the links that people have posted on this thread too. I followed some advice I got earlier and got 3 different types of wet food with 3 different carb values. Low, medium and high in case of a hypo incident. Still feeding dry also. Good luck! I hope you and Blackie are doing good
Butters & Lyla
Member Since 2020
I also just want to encourage you to do every 12 hours dosing with Lantus, and also add, I know how hard it is when you are hearing your vets say one thing and then people here say another. I went through three vets in two months when Butters was initially diagnosed (I kept changing because, well, bad advice from vets) and initially I felt very conflicted between what the vets were saying and what people on here saying. I know it is such a difficult decision in the beginning to NOT do something your vet says and listen to what people are saying. I personally wish, though, that I had given myself over to this community/family here much sooner. Once I made the decision to follow one of SLGS/TR (and not talk to my vet about it), it was a huge relief, personally. I understand so much more about the disease and have seen more improvements in Butters than I did when following what the vets told me.
Simple fact is, the majority of vets are general practitioners who don't get much training in Feline Diabetes. The experienced members here have years and years of experience dealing with FD, and who will make sure above all else that all the kitties on here stay safe. Also, many of their diabetic kitties have since crossed over, and yet they remain here and continue to generously give their time to help other diabetic kitties and their beans. If you decide to follow the advice and one of the dosing methods in the sticky Aleluia provided, you will be in very good hands here.
Butters & Lyla
Member Since 2020
Well look at you Lyla and Karen! Jumping in to give advice and support! KUDOS to you both! I believe its just as important for a new person to hear these stories from newer folks such as yourselves. I'm SO proud and inspired by you both.
Blackie’s mom
Member Since 2020
Thanks! I just posted on another thread about Blackie waking me up at 530 AM, meowing frantically. Gave him some fancy face, and he didn’t want that so I gave him a little bit of dry Friskies, and he ate that. He’s now laying by his water bowl but not over it and he seems relaxed and comfortable. So does that mean maybe his blood sugar was low? I can’t figure the whole food thing out yet! I’m very confused about when to feed and what to feed right now. He’s due for a shot in three hours. I’m not testing yet. I hope to soon.
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
Yes some cats WILL seek food when they drop low.
Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)
Member Since 2019
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
Hee hee heeeeee a lot of new members are REALLY stepping up. Y'all ROCK!
Butters & Lyla
Member Since 2020
I was just going to say Lyla sounds like a pro now!!! I love it!
Paying it forward, little by little. That's how it works.
We wanna keep this forum rockin' and rollin'!!
Blackie’s mom
Member Since 2020
Paying it forward, little by little. That's how it works.
Blackie’s mom
Member Since 2020
Paying it forward, little by little. That's how it works.
Blackie’s mom
Member Since 2020
Paying it forward, little by little. That's how it works.
Blackie’s mom
Member Since 2020
Hi there, not sure where in the thread to ask this, (I’m not intending to reply to myself! LOL!), but I’m still trying to get the timing of Blackie’s food down:
5:30 AM: A small handful of friskies dry food
9 AM: insulin
Noon: 1/2 can fancy feast
1-5 pm: some temptations treats
9 pm: Insulin & right after my bf gave him tuna AND fancy feast! He was hungry.
Should we have waited 2 hours after the shot to give him anything to eat? When people say “test/food/shot” is the test and food 2 hours before the shot? I feel like I’m just not getting this! Thanks so much!!
5:30 AM: A small handful of friskies dry food
9 AM: insulin
Noon: 1/2 can fancy feast
1-5 pm: some temptations treats
9 pm: Insulin & right after my bf gave him tuna AND fancy feast! He was hungry.
Should we have waited 2 hours after the shot to give him anything to eat? When people say “test/food/shot” is the test and food 2 hours before the shot? I feel like I’m just not getting this! Thanks so much!!
Jenifer
Member Since 2020
Oh crap! I didn’t even think about a food schedule. I just feed them whenever they want. And didn’t even consider the order to do things in. Thankfully I have done test/food/shot just because she’s more relaxed after she eats so I just give her pets and then stick her really fast. Ugh! So much info to read and remember. I will be waiting for a response to your question too now.
Jenifer
Member Since 2020
And I’m sure I’m doing this wrong. I don’t understand how these forums configurations work and how/who I reply too. Lol! Which is kind of funny since I’m the one everyone from work and My family comes to with IT/tech questions. 
Anyway, I wanted to say that I’m going to start 1/2 dosing. I trust you guys and it really just makes more sense. I gave her the night injection a little early today so I could hopefully start her on a 7:30/7:30 schedule. So tomorrow at 7:30am I’m going to 1/2 dose her I’m also going to try the Libre monitor and see how that goes. And it will be good for my vet to see too like you guys mentioned. A lady In one of my rescue groups has one that she said I can have for free so that’s helpful. My husband might divorce me before KittenCat even gets leveled out and the. I’ll have to start selling all my wiener dog paraphernalia to pay for insulin. Lol! It will be nice not having to poke her for a few days too. It took me 4 sticks this am to get any blood to come out. I felt HORRIBLE!! I found some freeze dried treats finally too. She loves them! So thank you for the recommendation. I also got some real meat filets. She went nuts over those so i’ve used those today when doing her BG test. Phew! One day at a time......
ps. Enjoy the picture of Doug watching me put KittenCats diabetes kit together.
Anyway, I wanted to say that I’m going to start 1/2 dosing. I trust you guys and it really just makes more sense. I gave her the night injection a little early today so I could hopefully start her on a 7:30/7:30 schedule. So tomorrow at 7:30am I’m going to 1/2 dose her I’m also going to try the Libre monitor and see how that goes. And it will be good for my vet to see too like you guys mentioned. A lady In one of my rescue groups has one that she said I can have for free so that’s helpful. My husband might divorce me before KittenCat even gets leveled out and the. I’ll have to start selling all my wiener dog paraphernalia to pay for insulin. Lol! It will be nice not having to poke her for a few days too. It took me 4 sticks this am to get any blood to come out. I felt HORRIBLE!! I found some freeze dried treats finally too. She loves them! So thank you for the recommendation. I also got some real meat filets. She went nuts over those so i’ve used those today when doing her BG test. Phew! One day at a time...... ps. Enjoy the picture of Doug watching me put KittenCats diabetes kit together.
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Butters & Lyla
Member Since 2020
I'm so glad to hear you are going to dose 12 hours apart, .5u x2 per day (BID) as opposed to 1 dose/day! And you have your spreadsheet set up and are doing some testing. Way to go!!! These two things are key to getting help in the Lantus forum.
Sorry the home testing is a struggle right now. Are you warming up KittenCat's ear first? That aside, yes it does take a while to get the hang of home testing and also for KittenCat's ears to learn how to bleed. The more you test, the more capillaries will form and the easier it will be to draw some blood. You'll get there. And I'm sure KittenCat won't object to a little treat for every poke even if it fails.
See this link on buying insulin from Canada for a less expensive option.
As for what to do next, head over to the Lantus forum and start by reading all of the "stickies" (ie the threads/posts) at the top of the list. We are all going to ask you questions like "do you have a hypo kit" in case KittenCat's BG numbers drop low, and that kind of thing. A lot of great info is available in the stickies. I still re-read them weekly at least.
As for posting on the Lantus forum, it talks about "how-to" in one of the links Aleluia gave you, which I have recopied for you: New to group, start here
But here is the low down on posting (I have added text in bold):
Daily Threads & Posting Instructions for this forum:
The Lantus forum is a very busy forum, so you do only one thread per day and ask all your questions and comments there. And then the next day, you start a new thread and link your previous day's thread into your new new thread. Check out some of the daily threads (condos, as we call them) to see the format, and then post!
Keep your spreadsheet up-to-date. Everyone is going to be looking at your spreadsheet when trying to answer your questions, and so if you don't, people will constantly be telling you to update it. The more testing you can do, the better. People won't give advice on your dosing unless you are doing two equal doses 12 hours apart (which you are now!
) and unless you are home testing (which you are also doing). The experienced people are very data driven. The more tests you get, the better they can help you.
I look forward to seeing you over on the Lantus/Levemir board.
Sorry the home testing is a struggle right now
. Are you warming up KittenCat's ear first? That aside, yes it does take a while to get the hang of home testing and also for KittenCat's ears to learn how to bleed. The more you test, the more capillaries will form and the easier it will be to draw some blood. You'll get there. And I'm sure KittenCat won't object to a little treat for every poke even if it fails. See this link on buying insulin from Canada for a less expensive option.
As for what to do next, head over to the Lantus forum and start by reading all of the "stickies" (ie the threads/posts) at the top of the list. We are all going to ask you questions like "do you have a hypo kit" in case KittenCat's BG numbers drop low, and that kind of thing. A lot of great info is available in the stickies. I still re-read them weekly at least.
As for posting on the Lantus forum, it talks about "how-to" in one of the links Aleluia gave you, which I have recopied for you: New to group, start here
But here is the low down on posting (I have added text in bold):
Daily Threads & Posting Instructions for this forum:
- Please use one thread for all your comments and questions you have that day since this forum is so busy. This will keep all pertaining to your cat together everyday.
- Start your thread with the date, kitty's name, and AMPS (Example for posting today: "8/16 KittenCat AMPS #" Where "#" is the actual number you got for KittenCat)
- Your thread will be bumped to the top of the list when you or anyone else posts on your thread.
- The 911 prefix in the subject line should only be used for emergencies such as symptomatic hypos, very low numbers (below 30 on a human meter), and/or very sick cats potentially needing ER care. Please remove the 911 as soon as someone has responded and you have received help.
The Lantus forum is a very busy forum, so you do only one thread per day and ask all your questions and comments there. And then the next day, you start a new thread and link your previous day's thread into your new new thread. Check out some of the daily threads (condos, as we call them) to see the format, and then post!
Keep your spreadsheet up-to-date. Everyone is going to be looking at your spreadsheet when trying to answer your questions, and so if you don't, people will constantly be telling you to update it. The more testing you can do, the better. People won't give advice on your dosing unless you are doing two equal doses 12 hours apart (which you are now!
) and unless you are home testing (which you are also doing). The experienced people are very data driven. The more tests you get, the better they can help you. I look forward to seeing you over on the Lantus/Levemir board.
Butters & Lyla
Member Since 2020
Oh, and one last thing I feel like I'd be remiss if I didn't mention it....it was probably mentioned higher up but worth repeating:
Most of us use human blood glucose meters. The numbers do come out different. I know you know about this, as you did set yours up for a pet meter. I'd just ask whether you need to use the pet meter all of the time? You mentioned you were going to get a libre, which is cool! Would you consider picking up a human blood glucose meter as well? Walmart ReliOn has the cheapest strips in the U.S.A. and a lot of people use it, if you're looking for a less expensive option.
Give it some thought. Most materials on the board reference "human" BG numbers. In my experience, having used both human and pet meters for Butters, I find it easier to "speak the language" on the forum when using the human meter.
Most of us use human blood glucose meters. The numbers do come out different. I know you know about this, as you did set yours up for a pet meter. I'd just ask whether you need to use the pet meter all of the time? You mentioned you were going to get a libre, which is cool! Would you consider picking up a human blood glucose meter as well? Walmart ReliOn has the cheapest strips in the U.S.A. and a lot of people use it, if you're looking for a less expensive option.
Give it some thought. Most materials on the board reference "human" BG numbers. In my experience, having used both human and pet meters for Butters, I find it easier to "speak the language" on the forum when using the human meter.
Butters & Lyla
Member Since 2020
@Blackie’s mom also note that those two terms, "TR" and "SLGS" are insulin-specific and I don't believe they are used with Prozinc/PZI.
Also, Diana, I copied your recent "food schedule" post into your thread and replied to it there. You can ask your questions in your own thread! I know it feels weird to reply to yourself, in a sense, but that is 100% the right way to do it.
You'll get the hang of it all!
Butters & Lyla
Member Since 2020
Don't feed two hours prior to giving insulin, so as not to artificially inflate KittenCat's BG numbers at shot time. Since you base your decision on whether to shoot on what that number is, it is very important that it is not food influenced.
With Lantus, feeding small meals throughout the day (but avoiding the 2 hour periods before shot time), is best. It will be a moving target at first, as you start to learn when your kitty nadirs (time of the lowest BG of the cycle). You want to give some food through the nadir. I generally feed as follows:
1.33oz with insulin, then another 1.33oz divided into four portions spread out over the first half of Butters' cycle: @+2, +3.5, +5, +6. I may change those times slightly, but this is what I landed on for the most part. You can see this on my spreadsheet. Have a look. I record when I feed daily.
Make a note at the top of your spreadsheet as to what you are feeding and then start recording what you feed and when in the "remarks" column in your spreadsheet. The more info you provide, the better the Lantus experts will be able to help you. They will also be able to make suggestions on feeding specific to KittenCat.
Okay, now I think all your questions have been addressed. I really look forward to seeing you over in the Lantus board!
Hoping you post KittenCat's numbers today!
Jenifer
Member Since 2020
So basically you’re saying I should stop posting in this thread now? Like ever again? Will I still be able to comeI'm so glad to hear you are going to dose 12 hours apart, .5u x2 per day (BID) as opposed to 1 dose/day! And you have your spreadsheet set up and are doing some testing. Way to go!!! These two things are key to getting help in the Lantus forum.
Sorry the home testing is a struggle right now
See this link on buying insulin from Canada for a less expensive option.
As for what to do next, head over to the Lantus forum and start by reading all of the "stickies" (ie the threads/posts) at the top of the list. We are all going to ask you questions like "do you have a hypo kit" in case KittenCat's BG numbers drop low, and that kind of thing. A lot of great info is available in the stickies. I still re-read them weekly at least.
As for posting on the Lantus forum, it talks about "how-to" in one of the links Aleluia gave you, which I have recopied for you: New to group, start here
But here is the low down on posting (I have added text in bold):
Daily Threads & Posting Instructions for this forum:
- Please use one thread for all your comments and questions you have that day since this forum is so busy. This will keep all pertaining to your cat together everyday.
- Start your thread with the date, kitty's name, and AMPS (Example for posting today: "8/16 KittenCat AMPS #" Where "#" is the actual number you got for KittenCat)
- Your thread will be bumped to the top of the list when you or anyone else posts on your thread.
- The 911 prefix in the subject line should only be used for emergencies such as symptomatic hypos, very low numbers (below 30 on a human meter), and/or very sick cats potentially needing ER care. Please remove the 911 as soon as someone has responded and you have received help.
The Lantus forum is a very busy forum, so you do only one thread per day and ask all your questions and comments there. And then the next day, you start a new thread and link your previous day's thread into your new new thread. Check out some of the daily threads (condos, as we call them) to see the format, and then post!
Keep your spreadsheet up-to-date. Everyone is going to be looking at your spreadsheet when trying to answer your questions, and so if you don't, people will constantly be telling you to update it. The more testing you can do, the better. People won't give advice on your dosing unless you are doing two equal doses 12 hours apart (which you are now!
I look forward to seeing you over on the Lantus/Levemir board.
Back to this thread so I can still access all the info on it?
Also, won’t I have to convert #’s if I get a human meter? Are pet meters not as good? And it looks like I forgot to do her spread sheet yesterday but I updated it this morning.
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
Please start a new thread. This one is over 60 posts long. FDMB like t
just copy and paste the task bar and post at the top of the new thread.
Sorry for the confusion. thats one thing you DONT need my apologies
Oh NOO NO NO just link this thread to the new one. We would NEVER say not to post at all.
just copy and paste the task bar and post at the top of the new thread.
Sorry for the confusion. thats one thing you DONT need my apologies
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
Basically ALL meters are good. Pet meters just match what your Vet goes by. They WOULD be the best to use except for one small matter. the EXPENSE. The strips for the pet meters are VERY expensive. If you can afford them then no problem. At times you can and WILL use more strips in a day than you do in a week. Doing curves, a LOW reading . Thats the only difference.
When this site was formed there was no such thing as "pet" meters. The site is geared towards human ones. Its just a matter of calculation difference. Does that makes sense? I dont mean to confuse you.
When this site was formed there was no such thing as "pet" meters. The site is geared towards human ones. Its just a matter of calculation difference. Does that makes sense? I dont mean to confuse you.
Butters & Lyla
Member Since 2020
Sorry if I confused you, Jenifer! I didn't mean to. In the stickies in the lantus forum, all the info is geared toward use of human meter numbers. The people in the lantus forum will help you, though, if you want/need to stick with the pet meter.
You can go post in the lantus forum right now. Use the subject/thread title I gave above: "8/16 KittenCat AMPS #"
Where "#" is the actual BG number you got for KittenCat.
If you haven't yet figured out how to link this thread to your new thread, I can help you with that. I'll link it for you once you start your new thread.
You can go post in the lantus forum right now. Use the subject/thread title I gave above: "8/16 KittenCat AMPS #"
Where "#" is the actual BG number you got for KittenCat.
If you haven't yet figured out how to link this thread to your new thread, I can help you with that. I'll link it for you once you start your new thread.
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
is this an already continued thread? I cant find where I asked to start a new one. lol now I'n confused.
Now why didnt I think of that?
Butters & Lyla
Member Since 2020
lolol I saw it now I can't find it. I think just a few posts above, Jeanne. You were saying something about starting a new thread as this one is over 60 posts long, but came out above what you were quoting. Sorry again! I really hope I didn't add to any confusion.
Sorry again! I really hope I didn't add to any confusion.
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
Oh good lord that must have been my doing and here I am adding this junk to an already too long thread MY APOLOGIES JENIFER. 
Blackie’s mom
Member Since 2020
Hi Jennifer! You seem to be doing great with all this. It’s a lot to figure out. I don’t know why it feels so hard for me to grasp! I see why the blood testing is so important. I hope to start that soon. Overall, Blackie has been so good through all of this.
Jenifer
Member Since 2020
I totally get it! Lol! I’m trying! Glad to hear that Blackie is handling it like a champ though
Blackie’s mom
Member Since 2020
You’re doing great! Where did you find the freeze dried treats and the meat filets? What were you feeding KC before?And I’m sure I’m doing this wrong. I don’t understand how these forums configurations work and how/who I reply too. Lol! Which is kind of funny since I’m the one everyone from work and My family comes to with IT/tech questions.
ps. Enjoy the picture of Doug watching me put KittenCats diabetes kit together.
Blackie’s mom
Member Since 2020
Doug is a beauty!And I’m sure I’m doing this wrong. I don’t understand how these forums configurations work and how/who I reply too. Lol! Which is kind of funny since I’m the one everyone from work and My family comes to with IT/tech questions.
ps. Enjoy the picture of Doug watching me put KittenCats diabetes kit together.
Jenifer
Member Since 2020
Thank you! Douglas is absolutely gorgeous but he’s a nightmare. Lol! All his beauty is on the outside He’s basically still feral even though we’ve had him since he was a 5-6 week old sick stray that literally showed up on the doorstep 3/4 dead. That was almost 8 years ago. He keeps life interesting though.
The cats never got treats before actually so they’re pretty happy about this turn of events. I found everything at petsmart actually. I don’t normally shop there but My neighborhood pet store was closed and I needed something ASAP to help with BG testing. The filets are fancy feast and my cats love the two fish ones. I haven’t given them the chicken one yet. I’m not sure on their carb count but I took a gamble on them being low since they are basically just meat........
Jenifer
Member Since 2020
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