Re: 11/23 Josie +8 365 AMPS 295
Humans and animals both have "stress" hormone -- corticosteroids. (These are forms of cortisone.) When stressed by something in the environment or by illness or infection, part of the way the body responds is to release these hormones. One consequence of their release is that it raises BG levels. In the big picture, if you are being threatened by something in the environment, you want to have that "fight or flight" response. If you're ill, higher BG makes nutrients more available. Some cats (and people) also experience what's called "dawn phenomenon." This is the body's natural rhythm whereby corticosteroids are released overnight to prepare the body for the stress of the day and BG levels are higher in the morning.
What I think is happening with Josie, though, is that she's bouncing. She experiences lower numbers and since her body isn't yet used to being in those ranges, her liver responds by releasing a stored form of glucose and counterregulatory hormones. These raise BG. It's the body's safety system and a natural pattern. The more time Josie spends in lower numbers, the less her liver will over react.
