Re: 1/20 Leko AMPS292 +2:369 +4:300 +6:284 +8:305 +10:245+12
Hi, Heather and Mel ~
Heather, after spending more time looking at Leko's spreadsheet, I'm thinking that he's getting more of those good green numbers than his spreadsheet shows. "I can't help but wonder how low he goes on the days where +2 is under 150... But then those numbers aren't necessarily useful" -- I'm wondering the same thing, Heather, but I believe those mid-cycle low (nadir) numbers are very useful. Lantus dosing is typically based on the nadirs, so it's helpful to have a record of what they are.
Quite a few of us test at +2 or +3 as you're doing for Leko, but we use those numbers to tell us how much testing we need to be doing during that cycle (time between shots). If we see that the +2 or +3 number is a big drop from the preshot number, then we know that we'll likely be seeing some action and need to test more to check for lows. For example, on 1/13, Leko dropped from 372 to 172 at AM +2, a 200 point drop. If you'd been around and able to check Leko at +5 or +6 or even +4, it would have been interesting to see how low he went. Leko also had big drops at AM +2 on 1/14 and 1/15 and at +3 on 1/18. Knowing how low he went on those days would have been helpful to see how well the .50U dose is working for him.
You're doing a great job testing Leko, Heather, and your schedule might not allow for more testing during the day. But I like that you got the PM +5 for Leko on 1/20. If there's any way, maybe you could start getting a few more mid-cycle PM numbers during the week? And I do know, believe me, that we've got to get some sleep, too

.
Heather, I really like Julie's (Julie and Punkin) explanation of important spreadsheet numbers:
"i like to use this metaphor - if you can think of the spreadsheet like a jigsaw puzzle, the preshot numbers are like having the edge pieces. the mid-cycle numbers fill out the picture. what we have for
Leko (replacing Leko for the cat discussed) is an incomplete picture. if you have at least the preshot numbers and a mid-cycle number we'll be able to tease apart the situation and give you better advice. lantus dosing is based almost completely on whatever the lowest point is that the cat got to in the previous 6-10 cycles. we test at preshot to make sure the cat is safe to give insulin to."
If Leko were my cat, Heather, I'd hold the .50U dose and try to get some more mid-cycle numbers before making a dosing change decision. Just my two cents...
Have a lovely day with Leko,
Eva