? 10/12 - Apollo + 3 UPDATE 378, UGHHH - +6 IT WENT UP TO 410

[Mile Hi Dave]

So, I still reduced his dose because yesterday's PMBS was 425 and the 1.5 units I gave him gave me a 105 this AMPS and I was scared to shoot, even a token dose scared me since Lantus is a new insulin to me. I'm hoping reducing the dose will leave him high enough in the AM for me to comfortably give him his dose. Thoughts anyone? Hope I did the right thing. It's something I discussed with someone from DCIN this afternoon, and it seems this was the proper way to go, based on his first use. Oh, we just started the Lantus, before the Lantus, he was on Vetsulin and his dose was 2 units every 12, that's why I didn't start with a lower amount.

Thanks for any help or suggestions

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

Update, his +1 was 415, a 50 point drop. Not the 80 I saw last night. Hoping it keeps going that way and is high enough in the AM to shoot. Next update in 1 hour

 

[JL and Chip]

Hi Dave,
I don’t like giving dosing advice, even though I’ve been around here a long time, but I saw the little dust up over on Lantus so will at least share my thoughts.

I think you’re in the “data collection” phase right now with a new insulin. We often take prior doses with other insulin into account, but with not having data to go on from the Vetsulin and considering that you saw a pretty strong response with the first dose of Lantus (not entirely uncommon, by the way), I probably too would have opted to go to 1 unit and get some more data. The caveat would be that that’s assuming Apollo doesn’t have a history of ketones or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which changes the calculus.

I also want to confirm that you got different syringes to use with the Lantus — specifically, you need U-100 syringes. Sorry if that’s an obvious question, but Vetsulin and Lantus are different “strengths” so if you use the old u-40 syringes without doing a conversion, you’ll actually be overdosing Apollo. You wouldn’t be the first one to show up here in that situation (always better to err on the side of caution and ask about that up front, rather than making assumptions, right?)

By the way, is your glucometer a human meter or a pet meter? I’m not familiar with it so will have to google. The importance is being aware that there are different target and “take action” ranges for human vs pet meters.

Welcome to the board.

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

Hi Dave,
I don’t like giving dosing advice, even though I’ve been around here a long time, but I saw the little dust up over on Lantus so will at least share my thoughts.

I think you’re in the “data collection” phase right now with a new insulin. We often take prior doses with other insulin into account, but with not having data to go on from the Vetsulin and considering that you saw a pretty strong response with the first dose of Lantus (not entirely uncommon, by the way), I probably too would have opted to go to 1 unit and get some more data. The caveat would be that that’s assuming Apollo doesn’t have a history of ketones or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which changes the calculus.

I also want to confirm that you got different syringes to use with the Lantus — specifically, you need U-100 syringes. Sorry if that’s an obvious question, but Vetsulin and Lantus are different “strengths” so if you use the old u-40 syringes without doing a conversion, you’ll actually be overdosing Apollo. You wouldn’t be the first one to show up here in that situation (always better to err on the side of caution and ask about that up front, rather than making assumptions, right?)

By the way, is your glucometer a human meter or a pet meter? I’m not familiar with it so will have to google. The importance is being aware that there are different target and “take action” ranges for human vs pet meters.

Welcome to the board.

Thanks for responding. I'm using a human meter, Prodigy AutoCode, and I am using the correct needles, appreciate you checking, would be an easy mistake to make. Other then that, it looks like we made the same decision, one unit. I discussed this with Chris, I think a moderator here and on the FB group I belong to. Chris was also helpful connecting me with DCIN. Lantus is soooo expensive. I'm a disabled veteran on a limited budget, especially now that Covid is keeping me from my part time gig, and even the Vetsulin was expensive for me, especially after maxing out my credit cards when I thought Apollo was gonna die on me. So the DCIN folks are helping me with the Lantus. First shipment arrives tomorrow. I ran out of Vetsulin and was extremely fortunate to find a member of the FB group that lives 5 minutes from me that loaned me 10 units of Lantus and the syringes. I just couldn't justify buying a bottle of Vetsulin to use for 3 days. I started my first dose based on Apollo's Vetsulin dose and a consultation with Chris. We based it on that and his current weight. Moving to 1 unit tonight was also discussed today after the 105 reading this morning. Hopefully, we dropped it down enough so I am comfortable shooting tomorrow. It's important he gets 2 doses a day with a depot insulin. We, Apollo and I, really appreciate any and all advice you give. It's all more info then I had before I got here.

 

[LindyNova]

Hi Dave! Welcome to the Forum from another Mile High member. It must be very scary to switch insulins and get that low (but really close-to-normal) number you saw this morning. I think you made the right move by lowering Apollo's dose for now. What you are seeing now, in my opinion, is higher #s due to the no shot, and maybe even a bounce from the Blue (105) you had earlier.

What was the reason you made the switch? I have heard that Vetsulin can drop BG number very fast, and not last. Was that the case? Was he on any steroids that may have raised his BS and now is not on them? I ask this because I have seen others whose cat's were diagnosed and put on insulin only to get back to normal numbers in a very short time after stopping. A little history helps the people here guide you along.

In my limited experience, (I've only been here almost a year and my Nova has been on Lantus the whole time) seeing a lower number after eating and getting his shot, you will see dropping numbers probably until Apollo reaches his nadir---typically around 6-9 hours after dosing. In Nova's case, her nadir is anywhere from from 6 to 11 hours after her dose. Every Cat Is Different, so if you need to sleep some, set an alarm to get a +6 & +9, and if you get up early enough a test 1 hour before his next dose. This should cover you in case he deep dives significantly from now (which in my personal experience is not too likely), Although it doesn't help us humans' sleep routine.

What truly helped me was reading all of the information about lantus and the different dosing methods on the Lantus forum. There is SO much info there, that it boggled my mind, but also set it at ease. I started with the SLGS method because I was so scared of a hypo scenario & didn't get help from my family to get testing on a regular basis. By finally nailing testing down and doing curves every week I gathered enough info (and received much advice from members who have been there a log time with a LOT of different experience guiding me) to see when I should be raising or lowering her doses, and then switched to TR. It doesn't look like you need any help in the testing area tho. Great job!

I don't post a lot....but I do check out forums (I'm what they'd call a lurker at times). I learn a lot that way, too. Nova's journey is going to be a long one, and if I need help or have a question, then I'll post in the Lantus forum. But I'll try to keep an eye out for you here.

Best of luck to you and Apollo!

BTW Apollo is a very handsome boy. What type of kitty is he? He looks like bengal-like.

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

Hi Dave! Welcome to the Forum from another Mile High member. It must be very scary to switch insulins and get that low (but really close-to-normal) number you saw this morning. I think you made the right move by lowering Apollo's dose for now. What you are seeing now, in my opinion, is higher #s due to the no shot, and maybe even a bounce from the Blue (105) you had earlier.

What was the reason you made the switch? I have heard that Vetsulin can drop BG number very fast, and not last. Was that the case? Was he on any steroids that may have raised his BS and now is not on them? I ask this because I have seen others whose cat's were diagnosed and put on insulin only to get back to normal numbers in a very short time after stopping. A little history helps the people here guide you along.

In my limited experience, (I've only been here almost a year and my Nova has been on Lantus the whole time) seeing a lower number after eating and getting his shot, you will see dropping numbers probably until Apollo reaches his nadir---typically around 6-9 hours after dosing. In Nova's case, her nadir is anywhere from from 6 to 11 hours after her dose. Every Cat Is Different, so if you need to sleep some, set an alarm to get a +6 & +9, and if you get up early enough a test 1 hour before his next dose. This should cover you in case he deep dives significantly from now (which in my personal experience is not too likely), Although it doesn't help us humans' sleep routine.

What truly helped me was reading all of the information about lantus and the different dosing methods on the Lantus forum. There is SO much info there, that it boggled my mind, but also set it at ease. I started with the SLGS method because I was so scared of a hypo scenario & didn't get help from my family to get testing on a regular basis. By finally nailing testing down and doing curves every week I gathered enough info (and received much advice from members who have been there a log time with a LOT of different experience guiding me) to see when I should be raising or lowering her doses, and then switched to TR. It doesn't look like you need any help in the testing area tho. Great job!

I don't post a lot....but I do check out forums (I'm what they'd call a lurker at times). I learn a lot that way, too. Nova's journey is going to be a long one, and if I need help or have a question, then I'll post in the Lantus forum. But I'll try to keep an eye out for you here.

Best of luck to you and Apollo!

BTW Apollo is a very handsome boy. What type of kitty is he? He looks like bengal-like.

Thanks for your great response. I didn't make the decision alone to lower his dose, it was an admin on FB who is also a mod here, I think, that helped. We based his very first dose on his Vetsulin dose and his weight. After the huge drop to 105, I was scared to shoot and knew he'd be ok for 12 hours. Hopefully, the half unit drop will make it possible to give him a dose in the AM. I only did up to a +6 because I thought that was nadir, it was what I understood it to be and someone else said more than + 6 was unnecessary. I did, however, already have someone tell me about checking an hour earlier than AMPS.

The reason for the switch was there was so much negative info about Vetsulin and his readings were all over the place. Vetsulin, aka Canninsulin, was created for dogs, which have a way slower metabolism and only require one dose/day. It's harsh and hard on a cat's system. That being said, it's 1/3 the cost of Lantus and I'm a disabled veteran on a limited income, especially w/o my part time gig because of Covid. Luckily, the admin on the FB group I belong to recommended I get in touch with DCIN, an organization that helps folks with cats that have verifiable financial issues. I was really lucky too, I was going to run out of Vetsulin before tomorrow when my Lantus from DCIN arrives, and someone living 5 minutes from me is also in the group and she loaned me 10 units of Lantus and syringes to get me thru. I saw no sense in buying an $80 bottle of Vetsulin that I was only gonna use for 3 days at most, especially since I was switching.

My goal is to get him on regular 2 doses a day in the next week to 10 days to build up his depot, then to fine tune it til we get OTJ.

Thanks again for responding, and yes, Apollo is a Bengal, and that is HIS swimming pool.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I discussed this with Chris, I think a moderator here and on the FB group I belong to.

Just on the FB group. It keeps me too busy to even think about being a Moderator here too! (but I hop on here when I have time too) The Mods here are great though. They've been here a long time! They were some of the first people to welcome me when my China was diagnosed and that seems like a lifetime ago.

Chris was also helpful connecting me with DCIN.

I'm glad I was able to help you. DCIN is a fantastic charity and situations like yours are exactly why we do what we do! Sure looks like Apollo is going to like the Lantus better than the Vetsulin!

I also want to confirm that you got different syringes to use with the Lantus — specifically, you need U-100 syringes.

DCIN sent syringes along with the Lantus so he should be good to go!

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

Just on the FB group. It keeps me too busy to even think about being a Moderator here too! (but I hop on here when I have time too) The Mods here are great though. They've been here a long time! They were some of the first people to welcome me when my China was diagnosed and that seems like a lifetime ago.



I'm glad I was able to help you. DCIN is a fantastic charity and situations like yours are exactly why we do what we do! Sure looks like Apollo is going to like the Lantus better than the Vetsulin!



DCIN sent syringes along with the Lantus so he should be good to go!

Thanks Chris, like I said before YOU'RE AWESOME!!!

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

+3 UPDATE, missed +2 by 30 minutes, his +3 is 378 a 37 point drop in those 2 hours compared to 67 point drop last night. He did get a 1/3 dose reduction, so I don't think it's too bad. We'll see what his +6 is compared to yesterday and his AMPS is compared as well. Any thoughts?? Should I gave only dropped it .25 instead of .5??

 

[JL and Chip]

+3 UPDATE, missed +2 by 30 minutes, his +3 is 378 a 37 point drop in those 2 hours compared to 67 point drop last night. He did get a 1/3 dose reduction, so I don't think it's too bad. We'll see what his +6 is compared to yesterday and his AMPS is compared as well. Any thoughts?? Should I gave only dropped it .25 instead of .5??

My two cents: you’re doing great. Going to 1u was a reasonable and measured choice. Now, as long as Apollo’s BG doesn’t drop too low, your job is to stay the course, “sit on your hands,” and collect data about what that 1u dose will do. And that takes a bit of time.

One of the hardest things to do in the early days is to be patient and NOT get too fixated on the BG numbers. We all do it. Want clarity and answers now. Want to change and tweak and perfect things ASAP. But tell yourself over and over that for right now you’re in data collection mode, NOT “fix it” mode. The data will guide you in the long run. We just need time to collect that data.

Also, please remember that this isn’t a case of “my car is a quart low on oil so I simply need to add a quart.” The Lantus depot takes time to fill, and the deltas you see from hour to hour don’t necessarily extrapolate to what you’d see if you increased/decreased dose. It’s just not that exact of a science. Trying to micro-analyze the numbers will drive you crazy (trust me, I’m an analyst and I have to fight the urge myself, even now). We’re looking for trends, not absolutes. As we say around here, every cat is different ... and sometimes every cat is different every day.

Take a deep breath. Stay the course. Get the data. You’ve got this. We’re here to help you.

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

My two cents: you’re doing great. Going to 1u was a reasonable and measured choice. Now, as long as Apollo’s BG doesn’t drop too low, your job is to stay the course, “sit on your hands,” and collect data about what that 1u dose will do. And that takes a bit of time.

One of the hardest things to do in the early days is to be patient and NOT get too fixated on the BG numbers. We all do it. Want clarity and answers now. Want to change and tweak and perfect things ASAP. But tell yourself over and over that for right now you’re in data collection mode, NOT “fix it” mode. The data will guide you in the long run. We just need time to collect that data.

Also, please remember that this isn’t a case of “my car is a quart low on oil so I simply need to add a quart.” The Lantus depot takes time to fill, and the deltas you see from hour to hour don’t necessarily extrapolate to what you’d see if you increased/decreased dose. It’s just not that exact of a science. Trying to micro-analyze the numbers will drive you crazy (trust me, I’m an analyst and I have to fight the urge myself, even now). We’re looking for trends, not absolutes. As we say around here, every cat is different ... and sometimes every cat is different every day.

Take a deep breath. Stay the course. Get the data. You’ve got this. We’re here to help you.

Thanks for your response and advice. I just want to be able to get where I am comfortable giving him a dose 2x a day. The drop overnight to 105 scared the hell out of me for the first dose of the Lantus. I understand that the depot needs to build up. In order to do that, I need to be able to give him 2 doses a day. I'm hoping the .5 reduction will get it down clise to, but not below 200 in the morning. I just would rather skip a dose than have him go hypo. The stress, not only on him, would be tough to handle. Getting the depot built up over the next 10-14 days is my short term goal, long term OTJ is the goal, but he's 13 and I don't know if that's gonna happen.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I'm hoping the .5 reduction will get it down clise to, but not below 200 in the morning.

If you get a number below 200 tomorrow, try stalling, DON'T feed and test again in 20-30 minutes. Use that time to post here too and make your subject line stand out..I often suggest "STALLING! PLEASE HELP!"...Hey, it works....LOL You can go back and edit it once you have someone helping you and use the regular format of Date, Name, AMPS ###...then as the day goes on, you can add new test results so the subject line stays up to date.

If the number goes up, it's usually a good sign that the last shot is wearing off and it's OK to go ahead and shoot the scheduled dose as long as you have plenty of strips, some high carb food and/or Karo, honey or syrup and can test as often as necessary. It's always a good idea to get a +1 and +2 the first few times you shoot a lower number too so if you do need to intervene, you can do it early.

I just would rather skip a dose than have him go hypo

Remember...as long as you're able to test, YOU are in control of his blood glucose. If it starts to drop too fast or too low, you have your foods and Karo/honey/syrup to bring him back up. Most cats will also get crazy hungry when they drop fast or low. China would almost grab me by the wrist and drag me into the kitchen. She was frantic to get fed.

Hang in there. You'll hear this a lot....This is a marathon, not a sprint!

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

If you get a number below 200 tomorrow, try stalling, DON'T feed and test again in 20-30 minutes. Use that time to post here too and make your subject line stand out..I often suggest "STALLING! PLEASE HELP!"...Hey, it works....LOL You can go back and edit it once you have someone helping you and use the regular format of Date, Name, AMPS ###...then as the day goes on, you can add new test results so the subject line stays up to date.

If the number goes up, it's usually a good sign that the last shot is wearing off and it's OK to go ahead and shoot the scheduled dose as long as you have plenty of strips, some high carb food and/or Karo, honey or syrup and can test as often as necessary. It's always a good idea to get a +1 and +2 the first few times you shoot a lower number too so if you do need to intervene, you can do it early.



Remember...as long as you're able to test, YOU are in control of his blood glucose. If it starts to drop too fast or too low, you have your foods and Karo/honey/syrup to bring him back up. Most cats will also get crazy hungry when they drop fast or low. China would almost grab me by the wrist and drag me into the kitchen. She was frantic to get fed.

Hang in there. You'll hear this a lot....This is a marathon, not a sprint!

Going to test 1 hour early and see if it's low and goes up at his AMPS. If it doesn't I can still stall, but if it does, I can shoot and be somewhat comfortable. I'll keep checking +1,+2,+3 ,and +6 for the next 7-10 days while his depot builds. Then try and work on fine tuning things. That seems to be what's recommended. Still trying to figure out the "curve" thing. It seems I already will be doing more testing than a curve requires, or did I misread something? Info overload!! Thanks again for your response and help, you rock!!

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

+6 Update.... He's gone back up to 410?!! Now what do I do????

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Still trying to figure out the "curve" thing. It seems I already will be doing more testing than a curve requires, or did I misread something? Info overload!!

No need to test that much and you're right...there's no reason to do an official curve either.

The idea is to test at various points in the cycle. Always test before shooting...then maybe one day get a +2, +5, +8, and another get a +3, +6, +9, etc.

Think of your spreadsheet like it's a puzzle. If you sprinkle pieces all over it, it's easier to tell what the whole picture is. You don't have much data yet, but look at it....see if there's any big white area's that don't have any numbers and try to get some there.

The idea is to learn how YOUR kitty is responding to insulin:

• Onset - the length of time before insulin reaches the bloodstream & begins lowering blood glucose
• Peak/Nadir - the lowest point in the cycle
• Duration - the length of time insulin continues to lower blood glucose

A full understanding of the following concepts will go a long way in helping you regulate your kitty's blood glucose when using Lantus/Basaglar or Levemir:

• Carryover - insulin effects lasting past the insulin's official duration
• Overlap - the period of time when the effect of one insulin shot is diminishing and the next insulin shot is taking effect
• Insulin Depot - a "spare tank" of insulin, which has yet to be used by the body
• Lantus, Basaglar & Levemir: What is the Insulin Depot?
• Bouncing - Bouncing is simply a natural reaction to what the cat's system perceives as a BG value that is "too low". "Too low" is relative. If a cat is used to BGs in the 200's, 300's, or higher for a long time, then even a BG that drops to 150 can trigger a "bounce". Bouncing can also be triggered if the blood glucose drops too low and/or too fast.The pancreas, then the liver, release glucogon, glycogen and counter-regulatory hormones. The end result is a dumping of "sugar" into the bloodstream to save the cat from going hypoglycemic from a perceived low. The action is often referred to as "liver panic" or "panicky liver". *Usually*, a bounce will clear kitty's system within 3 days (6 cycles).

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

No need to test that much and you're right...there's no reason to do an official curve either.

The idea is to test at various points in the cycle. Always test before shooting...then maybe one day get a +2, +5, +8, and another get a +3, +6, +9, etc.

Think of your spreadsheet like it's a puzzle. If you sprinkle pieces all over it, it's easier to tell what the whole picture is. You don't have much data yet, but look at it....see if there's any big white area's that don't have any numbers and try to get some there.

The idea is to learn how YOUR kitty is responding to insulin:

• Onset - the length of time before insulin reaches the bloodstream & begins lowering blood glucose
• Peak/Nadir - the lowest point in the cycle
• Duration - the length of time insulin continues to lower blood glucose

A full understanding of the following concepts will go a long way in helping you regulate your kitty's blood glucose when using Lantus/Basaglar or Levemir:

• Carryover - insulin effects lasting past the insulin's official duration
• Overlap - the period of time when the effect of one insulin shot is diminishing and the next insulin shot is taking effect
• Insulin Depot - a "spare tank" of insulin, which has yet to be used by the body
• Lantus, Basaglar & Levemir: What is the Insulin Depot?
• Bouncing - Bouncing is simply a natural reaction to what the cat's system perceives as a BG value that is "too low". "Too low" is relative. If a cat is used to BGs in the 200's, 300's, or higher for a long time, then even a BG that drops to 150 can trigger a "bounce". Bouncing can also be triggered if the blood glucose drops too low and/or too fast.The pancreas, then the liver, release glucogon, glycogen and counter-regulatory hormones. The end result is a dumping of "sugar" into the bloodstream to save the cat from going hypoglycemic from a perceived low. The action is often referred to as "liver panic" or "panicky liver". *Usually*, a bounce will clear kitty's system within 3 days (6 cycles).

Now I think I maybe misread his dose, there has to be a reason he's already going back up. Maybe I missed with some of his dose, a partial fur shot. I'm very logic driven and these readings make no sense to me, my brain just sees something was done wrong or adjusting his dose down by 33% was too much too fast. Logically, it doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

When I got him he became my responsibility, he can't take care of himself. There's been times he's eaten when I haven't because I had to make that choice. He has never gone without, even when I have. Finding out the food I was feeding him was killing him, devastated me and I was feeding him the "good, healthy" food Purina One, Hills Science Diet etc.

Now I feel I'm failing him again. I gotta get this figured out, not just for him, it's affecting me too. I'm super stressed, overwhelmed, confused and just want to do what's best for him.

I don't see the sense in leaving him with high readings when the solution is in the fridge. I'm gonna go with 1 unit in the morning but, if the same thing happens, tomorrow evening, I gotta bump it up. I'm not gonna be responsible for causing him to have other issues because I left him with readings in the 300 and 400's, if I could have simply bumped his dose .25 unit to get it to the 200's which I read somewhere is the first goal, get in the 200's to build up a healthy depot. Don't know if that was a sticky or other research I've done.

I'm sorry, don't want to be a pain in the rear, and maybe I got too much Information, over analyzed things, that's a character flaw of mine.

 

[LindyNova]

Now I think I maybe misread his dose, there has to be a reason he's already going back up. Maybe I missed with some of his dose, a partial fur shot. I'm very logic driven and these readings make no sense to me, my brain just sees something was done wrong or adjusting his dose down by 33% was too much too fast. Logically, it doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

When I got him he became my responsibility, he can't take care of himself. There's been times he's eaten when I haven't because I had to make that choice. He has never gone without, even when I have. Finding out the food I was feeding him was killing him, devastated me and I was feeding him the "good, healthy" food Purina One, Hills Science Diet etc.

Now I feel I'm failing him again. I gotta get this figured out, not just for him, it's affecting me too. I'm super stressed, overwhelmed, confused and just want to do what's best for him.

I don't see the sense in leaving him with high readings when the solution is in the fridge. I'm gonna go with 1 unit in the morning but, if the same thing happens, tomorrow evening, I gotta bump it up. I'm not gonna be responsible for causing him to have other issues because I left him with readings in the 300 and 400's, if I could have simply bumped his dose .25 unit to get it to the 200's which I read somewhere is the first goal, get in the 200's to build up a healthy depot. Don't know if that was a sticky or other research I've done.

I'm sorry, don't want to be a pain in the rear, and maybe I got too much Information, over analyzed things, that's a character flaw of mine.

Logic is not part of this disease, unfortunately. If it was, maybe my Nova would be insulin free by now, my jaw would not ache with worry (I'm a clencher), and my life would be nearly worry free. It will take a few cycles, up to 6, for you to tell if the depot is full, and you will see his numbers come down when HE is ready, and then you adjust from there. Down or up, as needed. He & his body are in charge here. Sometimes there is just no rhyme or reason to how they react to insulin.

You are NOT failing him. By giving insulin, changing his food, testing & loving him.....you are doing RIGHT. I absolutely abhorr the high numbers...and Nova is right back to where she started in numbers. BUT she IS better. Gained her weight back, fur is shiny, she purrs, pees, plays & poops as normally as she was before Dx. Hang in there. Take a chill pill (better than patience pants for a dude) and go with the flow. Like Chris said...this is a marathon, not a sprint. For some its a 5k, for others it is full on long haul.

Information overload is real...I still read all the stickies, even after a year in. You take what you need when you need it.

Have a good day!

 

[Mile Hi Dave]

Logic is not part of this disease, unfortunately. If it was, maybe my Nova would be insulin free by now, my jaw would not ache with worry (I'm a clencher), and my life would be nearly worry free. It will take a few cycles, up to 6, for you to tell if the depot is full, and you will see his numbers come down when HE is ready, and then you adjust from there. Down or up, as needed. He & his body are in charge here. Sometimes there is just no rhyme or reason to how they react to insulin.

You are NOT failing him. By giving insulin, changing his food, testing & loving him.....you are doing RIGHT. I absolutely abhorr the high numbers...and Nova is right back to where she started in numbers. BUT she IS better. Gained her weight back, fur is shiny, she purrs, pees, plays & poops as normally as she was before Dx. Hang in there. Take a chill pill (better than patience pants for a dude) and go with the flow. Like Chris said...this is a marathon, not a sprint. For some its a 5k, for others it is full on long haul.

Information overload is real...I still read all the stickies, even after a year in. You take what you need when you need it.

Have a good day!

Thanks for the reply, I am thinking I experienced a "bounce". Last nite he went UP from +3 of 378 to a +6 of 410, now this morning 6 hours later her was back down to 377, which actually pleases me because it's less than 400!! I gave him a unit and will check multiple times throughout the day.