Concerns about whether Vetsulin is working (posting on behalf of new member)

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Susie, @susie morse , are you able to read this post OK?

From Susie's posts on FB page:
"My kitty was diagnosed about a month ago with diabetes.. and is currently on vestulin 5 units 2@day.
I'm just not sure its working that good."

"..When my kitty was first diagnosed we started out at 2 units 2@day but her reading were still up yes i'm home testing she is very good about home testing . So we up her insulin gradually to 5 units which at times bring it down I know alot of the problem is with dry food she loves it and I have been on wet pate food she doesn't seem interested in it."

"... this morning her sugar was 388 that was at 630 am and at 1030 it was 242 I might retest again at 1pm.. but you its getting harder to give her insulin the needle doesn't want to go in I move around to different parts on the scuff back of neck ."

Tagging some folks who may be able to help: @JanetNJ , @MrWorfMen's Mom , @Tuxedo Mom , @Yong, @Kris & Teasel
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[susie morse]

Thank you any help would be appreciated.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Thank you any help would be appreciated.

Hello Susie. Welcome!

Can you tell us how often you're testing your kitty? Occasionally? Before each insulin shot? Mid cycle tests also?

How exactly was the dose raised to 5 units? ...Was that from your blood testing data, or from curves done at the vet?

What are you feeding your kitty at the moment?

And what is your kitty's name?

Susie, do bear with us while we try to understand your and your kitty's situation (apologies for any repeated questions!)...
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[Kris & Teasel]

My kitty was diagnosed about a month ago with diabetes.. and is currently on vestulin 5 units 2@day.

This is a very high dose for a month in.

When my kitty was first diagnosed we started out at 2 units 2@day but her reading were still up yes i'm home testing she is very good about home testing . So we up her insulin gradually to 5 units which at times bring it down

We recommend a starting dose of 1 unit twice a day so 2 u is already on the high side for a newly diagnosed diabetic. Was the dose raised in 1 unit increments by your vet? We recommend increasing from 1.0 u in 0.25 u increments so you don't zoom past the good dose.

dry food she loves it and I have been on wet pate food she doesn't seem interested in it."

Dry food is usually very high in carbs and more insulin is needed as a result. However, this dry food might be saving your kitty's goose at this high dose of 5 units. There are a couple of low carb kibbles available in the US - Young Again Mature Zero and Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein. Canned low carb food is best though. Others here have made the transition successfully and you can post to ask for help/advice.

the needle doesn't want to go in

Are you reusing syringes? The needle becomes blunt with use. It's best to use a new syringe for each dose. The scruff area skin is thicker and might offer more resistance. You can try other areas along her sides where the skin is thinner. Post to ask questions about this.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Susie @susie morse , if you wish, there are some techy folks here who can help set up a spreadsheet to record your kitty's blood testing data. It can be hugely helpful to keep track of the blood testing data in this way, and can help you to see how/why the insulin is or isn't working.
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[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Susie, here's a diagram showing where it's possible to give insulin shots (basically, almost all areas of loose skin).
It's strange that the scruff is becoming hard to inject.... Not sure why that would be. It doesn't seem like there's been enough time for scar tissue to build up...
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[Squalliesmom]

Make sure you have the bevel of the needle facing upwards, it slides in much easier and with less sting that way!

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

There are other places to try administering the shot if the scruff is toughening. Most of us use side of chest, flank, or scruff. Not many use the under belly/abdomen due to increased absorption rate:

 

[susie morse]

Hi my kittys name is izzy she currently on wet pate food with very little dry food .

 

[susie morse]

I try to test her 3x @ day.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

I try to test her 3x @ day.

Hi Susie,
Can you tell us what kind of test results you're getting prior to the insulin shot ('preshot' tests), and also what test results you're seeing a few hours after the insulin shot?

It would be great if you could add some details to your 'signature', such as when Izzy was diagnosed, what insulin you're using and what dose, what glucose meter, what you're feeding; and whether she has any other health issues ongoing. (That will mean folks can see important info about your kitty 'at a glance').
If you hover your cursor over your name on the top right of this page (in the black bar) you'll get a drop-down menu; 'signature' should be in the left column, near the top.

If you'd like help setting up a spreadsheet ('SS') to keep a record of Izzy's blood test data just shout out, and I'll tag one of our 'spreadsheet gurus' for you.
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