First time testing...316 seems really high

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saratienhaara

Member Since 2013
Hi All,

So I have really appreciated all the feedback so far and today I tested Riley. It was a little more difficult that I had hoped...but between my husband and I, we got it. I tested him 30 minutes before I usually feed and then give him insulin. I was hoping for a low number, or least below 200, but I got 316. My vet originally said to give him 2 units twice a day when we he diagnosed in July. When we took him back in after two weeks to get a glucose curve (wish I would have known better) he was at 400 as they stressed him out so much he would no longer let anyone near him and I had to go get him after two hours. She then raised him amount to 3 units twice a day. Things to know about Riley, in July he was 26 lbs, he a little chubby but also a very large cat. She said his ideal weight is 17 lbs, so we have him on a strict calorie diet with high protein low carb food. He has lost about 4 lbs since July. About two weeks ago, he seemed a little shaky. His foot was shaking and he just didn't look right, so we decided to bring him back down to 2 units twice a day as many people on the forum mentioned that 3 units twice a day sounded high.

So now I am here with a 316 on my glucose meter looking for advice. I am giving him his 2 units tonight as he obviously needs it, but anyone have any thoughts? I just feel like that number is very high.

Sara
 
Welcome to the vampire club.

It is hard to give advice on a single test. You really need several days of results before we can see where a pattern may be developing.

It also may be possible that 2 units is still too high of a dose and your optimal dose may be lower. If your dose is too high you risk hypoglycemia, which you may have already experienced with the 3 units. But there is also a condition called Somogyi rebound. What happens is when the dose is too high, in order to protect itself from becoming hypoglycemic, the cat's body produces extra glucose. So you will get higher readings. If your readings stay in the 300s, you may want to consider starting over at 1 unit twice a day. You will need to wait at least one week before raising the dose to give your cat's body time to adjust to the dose change. Then, if you need to increase it, only raise it by 1/4 to 1/2 unit. You will stay at the new dose for at least another week before raising it again.
 
Welcome to the vampire club.

It is hard to give advice on a single test. You really need several days of results before we can see where a pattern may be developing. Also, what kind of insulin are you using? What food are you feeding him? Is it canned or dry?

It also may be possible that 2 units is still too high of a dose and your optimal dose may be lower. If your dose is too high you risk hypoglycemia, which you may have already experienced with the 3 units. But there is also a condition called Somogyi rebound. What happens is when the dose is too high, in order to protect itself from becoming hypoglycemic, the cat's body produces extra glucose. So you will get higher readings. If your readings stay in the 300s, you may want to consider starting over at 1 unit twice a day. You will need to wait at least one week before raising the dose to give your cat's body time to adjust to the dose change. Then, if you need to increase it, only raise it by 1/4 to 1/2 unit. You will stay at the new dose for at least another week before raising it again.
 
Thanks for the info. Riley is on lantus insulin and I feed him friskie pate which is varies between 6-8% carbs. I feed him twice a day and he gets 395 calories a day according to what his weight is suppose to be at. So I should stay at 2 units for now and keep testing throughout the week to see where Riley is at?

Sara
 
Did you see my post in your other thread. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=105787&p=1123314#p1123314

Anyway good job testing! Can you set up a spreadsheet? That will help us see what's going on and be better able to advise dose. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18207. Let us know if you need help with it.

If you set up the sheet and get tests like I said for a few days we will be able to help you more and we will get a better idea of how she is doing and how the dose is working.

Wendy
 
HaHahahah...had a good giggle about 'Welcome to the Vampire Club"! I have not heard that in a while, and to see three posts in a row made me smile! We are all in the same boat with our Sugar Kitties, I always welcome the newbies that are sooooo overwhelmed with this new ordeal! Yes, welcome...you have alot of support around here!
 
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