Advice With Units

[KyraCat]

Hi Everyone,

We are finally starting to see Kyra's glucose levels come down and we have hit a couple of blues, which is really exciting but now leads to the worry of what do do if he gets too low.

When we do his PMPS tonight what is the lowest number we would want him to be at and stick to 4.5units. As you can see his Caninsulin appears to peak about 3 hours in.

Thanks
Jem and Kyra!

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

That blue is a welcome sight! Don't be surprised if numbers bounce back up. It's not uncommon form numbers to spike when you're first seeing lower numbers. Kyra isn't used to being in a more normal range. We refer to this as a "bounce." It can take roughly 3 days for a bounce to clear. The more time Kyra spends in closer to normal numbers, the shorter the time for bounces to clear. All a bounce means is that your kitty's liver and pancreas are going into panic mode under the assumption that the lower numbers are dangerous. As a result, a stored form of glucose and counterregulatory hormones are released.

With Caninsulin, numbers below 90 are where you reduce the dose. You might want to look at the information in this link on dosing with Caninsulin. Just to make sure you're aware, the American Animal Hospital Assn no longer recommends Caninsulin/Vetsulin for the treatment of feline diabetes. They recommend Prozinc or Lantus.

 

[KyraCat]

That blue is a welcome sight! Don't be surprised if numbers bounce back up. It's not uncommon form numbers to spike when you're first seeing lower numbers. Kyra isn't used to being in a more normal range. We refer to this as a "bounce." It can take roughly 3 days for a bounce to clear. The more time Kyra spends in closer to normal numbers, the shorter the time for bounces to clear. All a bounce means is that your kitty's liver and pancreas are going into panic mode under the assumption that the lower numbers are dangerous. As a result, a stored form of glucose and counterregulatory hormones are released.

With Caninsulin, numbers below 90 are where you reduce the dose. You might want to look at the information in this link on dosing with Caninsulin. Just to make sure you're aware, the American Animal Hospital Assn no longer recommends Caninsulin/Vetsulin for the treatment of feline diabetes. They recommend Prozinc or Lantus.

Thanks so much for your response! Oh the blue numbers make me so happy - felt like we would never get there!! The heads up about a potential bounce is really appreciated as I may have started to pull my hair out if the numbers went up for, what would feel like, no reason.

I'll take a look at the "dosing with caninsulin" thanks for this

I sent off a copy of the SS to the vets on Friday for him to take a look at. He isn't back in until Friday this week and the on call vet didn't want to change the insulin as it is a "complex case". Hopefully he will see that the peak is happening 3 hours in and will prescribe something that lasts in Kyra's system a bit longer.

Thanks again

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Three hours is not enough duration. It's part of why you're seeing such high numbers at your pre-shot times. Those swings are also apt to make Kyra feel less than wonderful!

Honestly... I don't think your cat is all that complex! We see lots and lots of cats with diabetes here. Likely, we see hundreds more than a vet will see in all their years in practice so maybe I'm a bit jaded when it comes to a vet saying a cat is "complex." I tend to think it's a matter of experience. Most of the moderators have been here for around 10 yrs or more.

This is the link to the AAHA Guidelines for diabetes. You may want to bring it with you or send it to your vet.

 

[KyraCat]

T

Three hours is not enough duration. It's part of why you're seeing such high numbers at your pre-shot times. Those swings are also apt to make Kyra feel less than wonderful!

Honestly... I don't think your cat is all that complex! We see lots and lots of cats with diabetes here. Likely, we see hundreds more than a vet will see in all their years in practice so maybe I'm a bit jaded when it comes to a vet saying a cat is "complex." I tend to think it's a matter of experience. Most of the moderators have been here for around 10 yrs or more.

This is the link to the AAHA Guidelines for diabetes. You may want to bring it with you or send it to your vet.

Thanks

Yeah I was a little taken a back when the veterinary nurse used the term complex! I had to remind myself the only thing complex, as far as we thought, was Kyra seeming to be resistant to the insulin but that doesn't seem to be the case since introducing wet food.

The knowledge you all have is incredible! You can really tell the years of experience you all have between you. I feel like this group should be quoted on any and all paperwork you receive when your cat is first diagnosed as being diabetic.

Hopefully speaking to the vet on Friday so will see if we get a change on insulin and hopefully some lower units.