Insulin needs spontaneously going up??

[Zach Pool]

My buddy Mr. Pants has spontaneously.been seeing higher levels in the 250-330 range where as he is normally within 80-160. We use lantus and he was typically getting a super tight .5 unit, twice daily. I've looked everywhere for food he could have got into and there is none. I'm usually extremely cautious with the measurements because the syringes aren't marked consistently. As a result I use my own measurement from the side of the syringe as his insulin needs were so small before that his blood sugar would get into the 70's if I gave him anymore than that. Now I have raised the amount I'm giving him by using the measurements on the syringe itself which looks to me to be almost twice what I normally give him and still his blood sugar is much higher than normal. I'm exhausted and I dont know why this is happening.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I see that other have suggested we could help you better if we had a record of Mr. Pants blood sugar history. Most of us are used to looking at patterns in numbers on the spreadsheet to see what is going on. Without out knowing what time of day those numbers are in relation to the shots, whether it's every day or occasionally, how the numbers relate to dose changes, it's much harder for us to help you. Instructions are here: How to Create a Spreadsheet:

What type of syringes are you using? Some are better than others with their markings. Inconsistent dosing (because of the syringes), can generate odd numbers. Another trick some of us have used with wonky marked syringes are to use digital calipers to measure the amount of insulin in the syringe. Details and pictures here: Dosing with calipers

 

[Critter Mom]

Hi Zach,

As a general precaution, it might be worth asking your vet to examine Mr. Pants. Sometimes other health issues can cause BG levels to rise (e.g. URI, UTI or other infection or inflammation). If you do go to the vets, be sure to ask them to check Mr. Pants' teeth and gums as part of the examination (a dental issue can often be a culprit).


Mogs
.

 

[Zach Pool]

Hi Zach,

As a general precaution, it might be worth asking your vet to examine Mr. Pants. Sometimes other health issues can cause BG levels to rise (e.g. URI, UTI or other infection or inflammation). If you do go to the vets, be sure to ask them to check Mr. Pants' teeth and gums as part of the examination (a dental issue can often be a culprit).


Mogs
.

Awesome knowledge thank you1