Dosing advice

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Ok, thanks (just trying to make sense of all this. I think you are right, a degree in statistics would be extremely helpful)

I suppose my main question now is, can I change doses day to day? At the moment, is my goal trying to find the dose that I can administer safely twice a day?
 
Douglas_my ginger cat said:
At the moment, is my goal trying to find the dose that I can administer safely twice a day?
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Yes, I'd say that this would be a good thing to aim for at this point; to find a dose that you can give twice a day so that Douglas can have insulin in his system for more of the time.
However...he may have other ideas! :rolleyes:
Douglas_my ginger cat said:
...can I change doses day to day?
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I think what today has shown is that there is certainly some benefit in giving a reduced dose on occasion rather than skipping completely. And being able to do this may mean that you can give insulin twice a day sometimes even if one of those shots is a reduced dose...
 
Douglas_my ginger cat said:
Douglas just tested a 21.7?! Blimey thats a big leapo_O
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It is a big leap, but it may have gone high much sooner if you hadn't given that 1.25 this morning...

It looks as though the insulin dose may really affect the insulin's duration with Douglas. So, that may well be why there was a short duration today. ...But this is all very useful data. And I think you've done a really brilliant job today! :bighug:
 

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I know, I really want to be able to shoot twice a day so his numbers stay as consistent as they can.

Douglas is definitely changing. His coat is softer and has less dandruff. He is also more vocal (not fun at 4am right in my face, but will take that over high BG numbers any day) and jumps up on my lap now. My favourite thing was that he is now coming to sleep next to me which he did from the first day I picked him up :D

I hope todays testing day will help paint the picture of hows he doing and how low his numbers go. Will probably come back here for advice once the day is over.
 
Anna, you’re doing amazingly well! That was a brave move shooting 1u last night but it worked and you got your first green! Ok so he’s back in the yellows this morning but in a way that’s good as you can experiment with dose and monitor today - all part of the route to seeing the results you want.

So nice to hear that Douglas is happier - just shows how how sensible treatment can give such an improved quality of life (for you as well as him!)
 
Fair enough. I think I took your message too literal :)

With regards to next steps, what would they be? Do I continue for another 5-7 days at 1.5, keep an eye on numbers and if not decrease, imcrease dose by 0.25IU?
 
Douglas_my ginger cat said:
Fair enough. I think I took your message too literal :)

With regards to next steps, what would they be? Do I continue for another 5-7 days at 1.5, keep an eye on numbers and if not decrease, imcrease dose by 0.25IU?
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Well, you would usually stick to a dose for four cycles (I think) to get a clear picture of how that dose is working - that’s the case if you’re increasing the dose to get bg down, but right now you’re experimenting with lower doses, which do seem to be effective. See what @Elizabeth and Bertie and @Critter Mom say about dose. It does seem though that Douglas may be producing some insulin of his own and as his pancreas heals he will need less exogenous insulin, so you will have to continue to be vigilant as you get into lower numbers.
 
Diana&Tom said:
....right now you’re experimenting with lower doses, which do seem to be effective. .... It does seem though that Douglas may be producing some insulin of his own and as his pancreas heals he will need less exogenous insulin, so you will have to continue to be vigilant as you get into lower numbers.
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Seconding everything Diana says above.

Anna, I think you're developing a really good understanding of how Douglas responds to insulin. And your experimenting with lower doses has produced really positive results. (This is so different to what you were seeing even a week ago... Things have moved on a lot since then...)
I think you're on the right track with what you're doing - in fact I think you're doing a brilliant job. ...I would just reiterate what Diana has said above about Douglas possibly now producing more insulin of his own. And therefore it will be important to be vigilant, and to be responsive to any further reduction in his need for injected insulin...
 
I do feel much more confident with how his insulin is working and glad I have been able to find a safe dose so far. Hopefully with this consistency for a few more days we can see the numbers change a bit so I know the next plan of attack.

I am glad I dosed the 1 unit the previous day. I was so determined no to skip another dose, and it seemed to have paid off.

As they say, one step closer.

Douglas and I thank you all for your help and support!:bighug:
 
Douglas_my ginger cat said:
Will try :)

I was surprised to see such a low reading on PMPS following the lower dose this morning.
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yes... this possibility of Douglas producing his own insulin is something to be very aware of. You’ve done so well to dose on lowish preshots, effectively slowing a rise, but on lower numbers like you’ve been getting you do have to be extra cautious. His need for insulin is clearly lessening and a dose that was ok one day could be too much another day... not saying that that’s definitely the case but be aware that giving any dose on a ps of 10 does need careful monitoring.
 
Douglas_my ginger cat said:
Noted. I suppose I didnt expect things to change so quickly. He's already on 9.2 so will monitor closely
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You’re both doing brilliantly! And again, not saying that there’s anything wrong with your dosing, just that you need to be fully on board with the possibilities. It’s a whole new ballgame now compared with not long ago when you were getting reds!
 
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