Having a hard time getting numbers down

[kurikitty]

I have been trying to go at it alone and figure out what works best for my cat. My vet has no clue about diabetes and wasn't willing to do his best to help my cat, so I had to take it into my own hands. It has been a couple of months and I have raised my cat's dose from 0.25u of Lantus to 1u. Even after raising it over time, he seems to consistently stay in the 300's. I am not sure what I am doing wrong if it is his feeding times, or what. I feed him about 30 minutes before I give him his shot. Even after so many increases, his numbers have been staying the same and it's quite frustrating not seeing results.

If his diabetes isn't under control over a certain period of time, does he start to have an increased chance of getting other diseases? How dangerous is it for him to be in the 300s for so long and what do I do if he continues to stay at this number after many increases? Thanks in advance for any advice! I am close to a breakdown because I am trying all I can think of and it feels like nothing is working and I feel very alone.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi Crystal and Grey. What a beautiful fellow he is!
First of all I am sorry you are feeling so alone and down about this. I am sure we can help you get Grey into better numbers. There are several things you can do.
Overall his numbers are not too bad. I have seen a lot worse! It is great you are testing and have the SS up and running and updating it. That is a great help to us helping you.
If I were you, I would have a look at the 2 protocol/ methods we use with feline diabetes. They are the 'start low go slow' method (SLGS) to the 'tight regulation' protocol (TR).. you will find both of them in the Lantus forum under the yellow stickies. Have a look at them both and choose which one suits you best. If you are feeding any dry food, you will have to do the SLGS method. And the TR will need more testing than the SLGS. When you have decided, put the method into your signature so we can see. If you are unsure ask us.

I would also try and do some more testing during the cycles if you can. There are no tests done in the PM cycle. If you work and can only do evening ones that is fine but always try and get a before bed test in as cats often drop lower at night.. and maybe one before work or after work.. every test is part of the jigsaw and helps us see what is happening.
Try and get a curve in so we can see how he is doing but it looks like he will need an increase in dose. I don't think you have been increasing often enough....but we will show you how and when to do it..

I would start posting daily over on the Lantus page. They are lovely over there and will give you lots of help and support..

I would test, feed, and give the insulin in about 15 minutes. With Lantus there is no need to wait after feeding. Do you also give a couple of other small feeds during the cycle?

Ask as many questions as you like. We a happy to help you. I know it can be overwhelming in the beginning but it does get better and with a few small changes, hopefully we can get Grey into better numbers.
Does that help at all?
Bron

 

[Auora]

^ what he said.

But just to give a little more input as it looks like our cats were diagnosed around the same time, like you, I've felt much frustration at the lack of progress. I've come to realise though that these things can take time and I think patience (with yourself) can go a long way. I'm only finally starting to see my cats numbers go down and this is after having upped her dose to just over 5x what we started her on. I was worried for awhile that she could be insulin resistant or worse, just too far beyond help. But - it's gonna be okay.

There is a wealth of experience on here and people who are, or have been in the same position as you are in now. You're definitely not alone. Just try to take things one day at a time, keep testing, keep learning, and asking for support Things will get easier.