A few questions from a newbie

M

Monka1228

Member Since 2019
-First, for those of you that use the FREESTYLE STRIPS with the Alpha Trak meter, do you find the numbers to be higher or lower than with the the Alpha Trak strips? I don’t have anymore Alpha Trak strips to compare against the Freestyle, so I’m hoping some one can help me out.

Please note: I know Relion Prime is cheaper, I have one, but I also bought the Alpha and already spent the money so that’s what I’m using. Trying to save $ on strips by using Freestyle strips.

-This is Jinx’s 2nd full day on Lantus. He was at 241 yesterday morning and 291 this morning. I know if it’s under 200 you don’t shoot, but what happens if it’s 220 or something like that. Would I give the full 1 unit that he’s prescribed or just half?

-I know that I have to test before each shot, but should I also be testing mid day at some point?

He is on strictly FF pate mixed with a little water and occasionally a few pure bites to entice him.
 
Hello! I can't answer all your questions but to make the most out of your experience here on the Lantus & Levemir forum, I would set up a spreadsheet for Jinx. Here are the instructions how: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thre...te-a-ss-and-link-it-in-your-signature.130337/

As for a no-shoot number: we DO shoot under 200 here on FDMB - given you have enough data. Those new to Lantus, we usually ask them to post here if you get a PS under 150 or a PS number you're not used to for advice. That means, stall, DON'T FEED and then post here.

Take a look at this thread which explains the two dosing methods we follow here on FDMB: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

Until you collect enough data to know how your cat will react, we suggest following the guidelines in the FDMB's FAQ Q4.4:
Q4.4. My cat's pre-shot level was way below the usual value. Should I give the injection?
A4.4. There's no hard and fast rule, but if you don't have data on how your cat responds to insulin, here are some general guidelines.
  • Below 150 mg/dl (8.3 mmol/L), don't give insulin.
  • Between 150 and 200 (8.3-11.1 mmol/L), you have three options:
    • a.) give nothing
    • b.) give a token dose (10-25% of the usual dose)
    • c.) feed as usual, test in a couple of hours, and make a decision based on that value
  • Above 200 (11.1 mmol/L) but below the cat's normal pre-shot value, a reduced dose might be wise.
  • In all cases, if you are reducing or eliminating insulin, it's wise to check for ketones in the urine.
  • Above the normal pre-shot value, give the usual dose, but if the pre-shot value is consistently elevated, it's a good idea to schedule a full glucose curve to see whether a change in dose or insulin is appropriate. In most cases, the target "peak" value should not be below 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/L), and for some cats it might be higher.
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Remember, these are only guidelines. As you continue to gather data by home testing, you'll soon begin to understand how your cat reacts to insulin and hopefully be able to shoot lower and lower. Shoot low, to stay low!

Of course, the absolute NO SHOOT number is 50 and under 90 for those following SLGS.

Monka1228 said:
-I know that I have to test before each shot, but should I also be testing mid day at some point?
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Yes, this is important so we know how insulin is working in Jinx's body. Think of the SS as a jigsaw puzzle: you want collect the pieces by testing different times during each cycle in order to complete the whole picture. Of course, not everyone is able to test multiple times each cycle. Doing a curve during the weekend and getting tests before you go to bed or before you leave the house for work is better than not testing at all in between cycles.

As well, Lantus dosing is based on nadir - not on PS numbers. We dose based on how low it takes kitty. This is different from other insulins like Vetsulin or ProZinc.

I encourage you to go through the stickies in the Lantus forum. There's a lot of info there so take your time, settle in for a night of reading, and continue to ask questions! We're happy to help!
 
Freestyle strips and AT meter - I would NOT use strips that were manufactured by one company in what is essentially a non-compatible meter. There is no guarantee that you will get an accurate reading. This debate has been going on for some time. Part of the issue is that the AT and Freestyle were made by the same company. That is no longer the case.

No shoot number - Actually, the no shot number differs based on whether you are using the Tight Regulation Protocol or the Start Low Go Slow method for dosing. With TR, we recommend that you post and ask for help if numbers are below 150. With SLGS, do the same if numbers are below 200. There are options with regard to giving a shot that depend on the specific situation. This is why we suggest posting and asking for someone with more experience to offer some guidance.

Testing - In the spirit of full disclosure, I was a testaholic! More data is always better. It's important for you to begin to sort out when Lantus onset and nadir fall for your cat. Thus, getting spot checks is important. Even more important is that Lantus dosing is based on the nadir, not on the pre-shot numbers. This is another reason to get tests at times other than pre-shot. Always get a before bed test. You want to be able to go to sleep and know that your cat is in safe number.
 
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