3/17 Noogi - PMPS 117, +2 112, +3 70, +4 59, +5 74, +6 97

It will be interesting to see what the MC/treats do for him. I hope he comes up a bit and flattens out--he's done that in the recent past. You want nadirs in the 50 to 80 range, so he's not too low now. Keep us posted. I'm posting the sticky on how to handle low numbers, just for your convenience (I read and re-read these things when Jude has low numbers). We're here, and you're doing great, but don't hesitate to ask for help in your subject line if you feel you need to.

Don't Panic! or How to Handle Low Numbers

First, try to not panic. Post to the Lantus, Levemir, & Biosimilars Insulin Support Group or on the Health Board. Make sure your subject line indicates you are concerned about a possible hypo and/or add the 911 prefix to the first post in your thread. People who are experienced in dealing with low numbers will be there to help. After posting, remember to refresh your browser periodically to see if people have replied.
It’s important to recognize that just because your cat may be experiencing low BG numbers doesn’t mean that your kitty is critically hypoglycemic. Many cats will have low numbers and never have symptoms. It’s important, though, to bring those numbers up into a safe range.

ALWAYS make sure you have a stock of test strips, high carb (HC) canned food that contains gravy and is over 15% carb such as Fancy Feast grilled, marinated, or Gravy Lovers varieties (see Dr. Lisa's Cat Food Nutritional Composition List for a full list of options), and/or a simple sugar solution such as Karo/corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, etc.
If your cat is experiencing symptoms, especially if those symptoms are severe, you need to rub Karo syrup, honey, or maple syrup on the gums or, if symptoms are very severe, administer rectally and get your cat to the nearest 24-hour emergency facility. Take the bottle of syrup with you to administer on the way if necessary. (Note that it is rare that we see episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia with Lantus, Levemir, or Biosimilars and even rarer to see severe symptoms. But, you need to know what to do should they occur.)

The symptoms to be concerned about include but are not limited to:
  • staggering, uncoordinated movements, 'drunken' walk, wobbling, balance problems
  • ataxia - usually lack of muscular coordination, but maybe changes in head and neck movements
  • disorientation (yowling, walking in circles, etc.)
  • twitching
  • stupor
  • convulsions or seizures
  • coma
If your cat is testing in low numbers and you are not getting a quick response to your post, there are several things you need to do. (Low numbers are under 50mg/dL or 2.8 mmol/L.)
  • Depending on how carbohydrate sensitive your cat is, feed approximately a teaspoon or less of gravy from high carb food or high carb food only. (If you have a cat with GI issues, using a couple of drops of syrup plus low carb food is an alternative.)
  • Test again in 15 – 20 min. Depending on the numbers, give more HC food.
  • Repeat the above steps every 15 – 20 min. until your cat tests in the 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L) or above range for 2 consecutive tests. Continue to feed in small amounts to keep numbers in a safe range.
  • Test in 30 - 40 min. and repeat the test and feed process until there are 2 consecutive tests where numbers are stable or rising.
  • Test in an hour and follow the same steps.
DO NOT become complacent. If numbers have risen after one or two tests, it’s important to continue testing. Numbers may bobble up and down as the HC food and/or Karo wear off. DO NOT get one test where your cat has risen from low numbers into the 50s and go to sleep or leave the house. You are putting your cat in a risky situation. When in doubt, leave HC food out. A good example of why this is important is in this post from an experienced member (now Moderator) who was struggling to get her kitty's numbers to rise.

In the case of an accidental overdose or should there be symptoms of hypoglycemia, even if you have caught this in the early stages, you may need to monitor for literally 16 or more hours. Lantus, Levemir, and Biosimilars are long acting types of insulin. This means if your cat is over dose, you will need to stay alert for hours in order to closely monitor and to keep your cat safe.

Please post your numbers. Those people who are helping you will not abandon you. In fact, they are staying up with you. The experienced people will even work in shifts to make sure your cat is safe and you have the support you need. Remember to refresh your browser to see new posts and keep posting so we know all is well.
 
Thank you for the support Mary, I really appreciate it :bighug:
It is always a good idea to reread this info. I know I am very quick to panic. I needed to be reminded that he hasn't actually hit a lime green number!
And he has risen slightly to 74 now, which is a relief. I'll stay up and test again at +6 just to be sure he hasn't done a u-turn down again.
 
Helen + Noogi said:
Thank you for the support Mary, I really appreciate it :bighug:
It is always a good idea to reread this info. I know I am very quick to panic. I needed to be reminded that he hasn't actually hit a lime green number.
And he has risen slightly to 74 now, which is a relief. I'll stay up test again at +6 just he doesn't u-turn down again.
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I'm glad the MC/treats have bumped him up a bit, and I hope you're able to get some rest tonight.
 
He's now 99 at +10.
@Bandit's Mom would you shoot as normal for am shot if he's still under or around 100? I have so little experience shooting on low (for him) numbers, especially am. I have to go to work and will only be able to check on him at lunchtime.
 
Helen + Noogi said:
He's now 99 at +10.
@Bandit's Mom would you shoot as normal for am shot if he's still under or around 100? I have so little experience shooting on low (for him) numbers, especially am. I have to go to work and will only be able to check on him at lunchtime.
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He is higher than he was at nadir and has been staying flat since +6. Did he get food after the +10 test?

Will he eat on his own when you're not at home? He might just bounce from here from this long stretch of greens.
How soon after the shot do you have to leave for work? And lunch time would be +5? +6?
 
Bandit's Mom said:
He is higher than he was at nadir and has been staying flat since +6. Did he get food after the +10 test?

Will he eat on his own when you're not at home? He might just bounce from here from this long stretch of greens.
How soon after the shot do you have to leave for work? And lunch time would be +5? +6?
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Sorry I didn't reply straight away - fell back to sleep.
He just woke me up at 5.58am. Like clockwork!
He's now 158 so probably okay to shoot?

He did have a snack after +10. And now having his breakfast too.
He will most definitely eat when I'm not here. Timed feeder. This boy loves food!
I will test at +2 just before i leave and can be home anytime between +5 and +7 to test again. What would be best?
 
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