Going up to 2 units in the AM

[mimi4neeyah and Loki]

After much discussion about how Loki is not getting regulated my vet and I talked about increasing his insulin to 2 units at AM dosing then seeing where his #'s are at PM check.
This has been going on for 3-4 months now and I feel like such a failure, first the meter I had was way off so went and got another then vet did the blood test that is called fructosamine, he is eating but I do not feel enough for his weight, he has lost 7 lbs in 4 months. I did post in my sign line his SS, should I post his results from the fructosamine also?
I am a nervous wreck that I will do more harm than good for my boy.
So sorry to vent like this but I have come to find such support and understanding here that I cannot share this with any one else but you guys and my vet.
Thanks for reading.

 

[MelanieP and Ninja]

((((((Hugs to you!!!!)))))). I am new so don't have much advice. You said you are going up to 2 units tomorrow. Two units from what (where are you now)? Are you using Lantus? If so, the senior folks told me that you are supposed to make dose changes based on the nadir (the low point) of the BG readings -- which is typically 6 hours (more or less) after a shot. So they are probably going to tell you to get more readings between the shots so they can see how the insulin is affecting Loki. It is possible Loki's numbers were not too bad between shots but rose again as the insulin was wearing off, right around shot time. But you'll have to get some in-between readings for the senior people here to guide you. And they will probably talk to you about food too (wet, not dry, is best). Don't despair! The fact that you are even trying makes you a winner!!! The folks here are THE BEST...and will help you! Wish I could do more than offer encouragement, but you can count on me for at least that!!!

PS: Did Loki just start treatment on 6/28? If so, it hasn't been that long, and PSS, my spreadsheet looks a lot worse than yours...so again, don't despair. I'm sure the FDMB cavalry will be here to help you soon!!!!

Melanie

 

[PeterDevonMocha]

Well I think Melanie hit it right on the head .. if you could do more spot checks, that would give you a lot more information to go off of .. like Melanie said, if Loki is going lower during the day, the numbers will rise closer to shot time .. I'm not sure what insulin you are using .. we used lantus with mocha .. Please don't be discouraged .. I know it feels like you have been doing this forever, but really, it's just been a few short months .. you are BOTH still adjusting to having feline diabetes .. but you BOTH will make it through this ((hugs))

You can always come here for support .. we've all been where you are and we all understand ..

One more thing, while your kitty is unregulated, their little bodies need lots of food .. they almost feel like they are starving .. not sure how much you are feeding, but small frequent meals (wet is best) are the best way to go until they become more regulated with their numbers.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

As we have been advising on the PZI forum, it would be wise to get some midcycle numbers before you raise the dose. There is no way for you to know if he is getting too much or too little insulin until you get a number around +6 and see where the insulin takes him. Your 226 at preshot tonight is certainly not a number to shoot 2 units into.

If he were mine, I would get more data before I made dosing decisions about raising the dose. I know it is hard to get advice that differs from your vet, but you don't have the information to increase.

 

[mimi4neeyah and Loki]

Hi thanks so much for the advise I am going to start to get the +6 reading tomorrow. His numbers today was 492 in the AM and 438 in the PM started 2 units tonight, per vet call.
Thanks again for the help and will update tomorrow.

 

[sch]

You are definitely NOT a failure! You are doing a great job for Loki (what a cutie!!).. keep up the good work! I know how easy it is to get discouraged. I have only been at it since May and I have wanted to throw in the towel (among other things) so many times. Keep talking- there is much help and support here for you !!