Claudia
It may be an idea to ask your vet if you could find out how much the total cost would be for the IGF-1 and IAA tests to be done. The tests themselves are not costly - something like $15 and $45, so the bulk of cost would come with the blood draw at the vet office, the packing, and the FEDEX shipping to MSU. I know that you may not be able to afford the tests at this moment, but it will be good to know what the exact costs would be to you, and to have your vet prepared for the time you do request the tests be run.
Hypo for an acro would be scary; it's my biggest fear. For regular FD kitties, you go a bit low and then give maybe a tsp of HC, and up they come .... for Oliver, when he went low, I gave him TWO FULL CANS OF HC, and he kept dropping! Because he has a functioning pancreas. I was very scared, so I feed HC and lots of it if he gets to 100. Lower and he has my undivided attention.
For dose increases, I went very slow for both my acros, even though it hurt and I just wanted to jump way ahead with bigger doses. I know it's not easy to go slow and watch those high numbers. It hurts and feels like a cruel joke when you get a low pink or something, and your hopes rise, then you end up with reds and blacks again.
Take your time with dose increase sizes, be on top of testing for ketones diligently, and focus on the most important part of all this: Charlie.
Never mind about all the bickering and all the contradictions in suggestions or advice that you get, don't let them drive you away. I allowed some people on the board upset me to the point where I no longer post condos for my two because every time I posted, someone would come along and tell me I was harming my cat and should do this or that, and everyone claimed they were right.
You are OK to error on the side of caution - remember this: you can always give more insulin, but you can never take back too much. Go slow and you will find Charlie's good dose.
I recognize your ss; look at Shadoe's at the start, then look at the start of Ollie's.
I have been where you are now, and so has Carolyn, and so has Phoebe, unlike a few others who are making suggestions to you.
Go slow for Charlie, and arrange for the tests when you are able.
