First BG Curve- need help please

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

Steve the Cat

Member Since 2014
Hello My name is Jenny and my cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I started him on 1 Unit of Lantus insulin 2x's/day about 2 weeks ago. Today I am doing a BG curve to see how the insulin is working.

I gave him 1 unit this morning at 8:45 am and his readings so far today are:
-8:40 am(before insulin): 295
-10:45 am: 217
-12:45: 222
-2:45: 223

I tested his BG Sunday 3 hours after his first dose (it was 286 before his shot) and his BG was 151.
Monday I tested it at 3 hours after his shot which read 133 and 6 hours which read 110.
Thursday his reading was 249 before his second dose and yesterday it was 183 before his 2nd dose.

I am confused as to why his numbers are back to being in the 200s when they were lower before. Could this be because he is still unstable? Do the numbers going down indicate the insulin working at all today? At this point I am questioning if I gave him a "fur shot" this morning (although I am pretty sure I he got his dose) and wondering if i should just give up on the curve today.
I don't know if I should continue to do the entire curve today and then another one tomorrow to compare? Its not hard for me to take his BG because he is a good kitty, but I don't want to keep poking his ear every two hours today if the numbers show that he doesn't have insulin in his system.

Please tell me what you think.

Thanks,
Jenny and Steve
 
Welcome to FDMB.

You might have had a fur shot today. He could be bouncing from going low to an unusual, for him, number, or dropping fast. Or he may need a dose adjustment.

It'll be helpful if you report his numbers as +# where you note the number of hours after the shot. That is because interpretation of the glucose depends on that reference number. Like this:
AMPS~ 295
+2 ~ 217
+4 ~ 222
+6 ~ 223

We also collect our numbers in a standard form. Instructions are here.

Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning pre-shot test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening pre-shot)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.
 
This spreadsheet is wonderful! Thank you! This is a big help! I was using the Alphatrak daily journal to keep track of his numbers and being able to see them on this spreadsheet is much better. Thank you for your help! I think I am going to try and do the curve tomorrow so I can send the vet accurate BG readings.

Jenny and Steve the cat
 
Ah! Using the Alpha Trak. That needs to go into your signature, in a larger font and bolded, so folks spot it. It changes what numbers you look for.

Go to the top left of the screen.
Click on User Control Panel.
Click on Profile
Click on Edit Signature
A test box displays.
This is where you paste the shareable spreadsheet link.
Add any other text, such as
your name, cat's name,
city and state,
date of Dx (diagnosis)
insulin
meter
any other pertinent issues like food issues, allergies, IBD, etc.
 
Hi Jenny,

If you want, you can email the spreadsheet link to your vet. You need to set the sharing permissions to allow anyone with the link to view the spreadsheet. That way your vet would be able to view it online without any need for a Google account and it would save you the hassle of sending it in.

My vet can view Saoirse's spreadsheet and it' has worked really well. I'm agoraphobic and Saoirse detests travel. Because the vet can see her data he's able to do consults over the telephone for us most of the time.
 
Yes I was going to email his spreadsheet to the vet. Steve is absolutely terrified of leaving the house. At 14 years old, I would like to keep his stress levels to a minimum. I am very thankful that I came across this message board because I am the only one (out of 5 people in my household) that is willing to take care of Steve and I have been very overwhelmed. Its nice to know that the daily questions that I have can usually be answered on a past thread, and if not I have you guys to talk to about Steve. The resources that this website and message board have provided me with have and will be a great help.
Thank you all!
 
I'm glad that Steve has you to care for him. :smile:

It is very overwhelming at the beginning but it does get easier, especially with the information and support you will find here.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top