Changing Injection Times

[tcmeowmixtc]

I posted on the main forum here: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/changing-injection-schedule.182832/#post-2027847

Hi! The vet recently switched T.C. over to Lantus after his time on Novolin. My primary question is about changing the injection times. I'm starting school soon and need to move his injection times from noon and midnight to 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM. This way I can always do a preshot blood test. Is this okay to do with Lantus? Would 15 minutes earlier each injection time work?

Also, I was curious if the nadir switched from the +6 of Novolin. Should I be taking tests at different times now?

Thank you,
Shannon

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Hello and welcome Shannon and TC. I think you'll find Lantus does a better job than Novolin. It lasts longer and he should spend more time in good numbers. For changing the shot times, you can move the shot 1/2 hour once a day, or 15 minutes a cycle. So yes, that means 15 minutes ealier each injection.

The nadir is the lowest point of the cycle, and isn't always the same time each day/night cycle. Although +6 is supposed to be the typical nadir, my Neko nadired anywhere from +3.5 to +13, but was usually +7 to +9. It's best to mix up the tests, maybe try somewhere from +4 to +7, although some Lantus kitties nadir as early as +2. You might try getting a couple of curves it to see if you can spot when his onset and nadir are usually. and what his patterns look like. That'll help you be more strategic about when to test.

 

[tcmeowmixtc]

Hello and welcome Shannon and TC. I think you'll find Lantus does a better job than Novolin. It lasts longer and he should spend more time in good numbers. For changing the shot times, you can move the shot 1/2 hour once a day, or 15 minutes a cycle. So yes, that means 15 minutes ealier each injection.

The nadir is the lowest point of the cycle, and isn't always the same time each day/night cycle. Although +6 is supposed to be the typical nadir, my Neko nadired anywhere from +3.5 to +13, but was usually +7 to +9. It's best to mix up the tests, maybe try somewhere from +4 to +7, although some Lantus kitties nadir as early as +2. You might try getting a couple of curves it to see if you can spot when his onset and nadir are usually. and what his patterns look like. That'll help you be more strategic about when to test.

Thank you. For curves, how many hours should I wait before each test?
Also, I forgot to ask this in my post, at what number would I not give insulin? My vet told me 100, is that a good number to stick to?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

We have two dosing methods here, one call the Tight Regulation Protocol and the other is Start Low Go Slow. They are described in the Sticky Notes for them. People pick one or the other to follow here. Some people do formal curves which are either every 2 hours for 12 hours, or every 3 hours for 18. If the numbers get closer to 100, then perhaps test closer together.

Your no shoot number depends on the data you have gathered and experience. To start, in this forum we suggest that if you see a number below 150, you do not feed, and post for help deciding what to do. Over time people shoot lower and lower.