Help! Just tested 32, No insulin since Saturday!
- Thread starter Mamalou
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Rachel
Member Since 2013
Re: Lily's first BG reading..very low!
It is sad she has to go through this BUT she is so lucky to have such a great momma bean! Remember, she is getting the care she needs and look how far you've come! A testing expert and willing to do what it takes to make her feel better! What a lucky kitty to have you!
It is sad she has to go through this BUT she is so lucky to have such a great momma bean! Remember, she is getting the care she needs and look how far you've come! A testing expert and willing to do what it takes to make her feel better! What a lucky kitty to have you!
Dusty Bones
Member Since 2013
Re: Lily's first BG reading..very low!
Very exciting and educational to watch this unfold! Great job Lou Ann!
Very exciting and educational to watch this unfold! Great job Lou Ann!
Dyana
Member Since 2009
Re: Lily's first BG reading..very low!
I would skip the shot tonight, and be sure to test tomorrow morning, before giving any insulin.
If you Edit your first Subject Line to change it to something like "Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please"
that might attract someone that knows more about the insulin you are using.
Novolin N isn't a common insulin used for the people posting on this board. If you don't hear otherwise, I would not give her insulin if her BG is below 200 tomorrow.
I wish you luck.
Lily could be one of the fortunate ones that goes off insulin. It might not be now, or tomorrow, but it is a possibility ;-)
I would skip the shot tonight, and be sure to test tomorrow morning, before giving any insulin.
If you Edit your first Subject Line to change it to something like "Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please"
that might attract someone that knows more about the insulin you are using.
Novolin N isn't a common insulin used for the people posting on this board. If you don't hear otherwise, I would not give her insulin if her BG is below 200 tomorrow.
I wish you luck.
Lily could be one of the fortunate ones that goes off insulin. It might not be now, or tomorrow, but it is a possibility ;-)
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Member Since 2009
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Agree with no insulin tonight. But even if tomorrow's number is pretty high, I'd still reduce. Influencing the high number will be 24 hours since the last shot, high carb food and maybe a bounce. I'd reduce your last dose by half?
Agree with no insulin tonight. But even if tomorrow's number is pretty high, I'd still reduce. Influencing the high number will be 24 hours since the last shot, high carb food and maybe a bounce. I'd reduce your last dose by half?
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
The importance of those pre-shot tests can not be emphasized enough with the fast acting NPH insulins like Novolin N and Humulin N. You have a much shorter window of time before these insulins start to work, so it's very important to feed at least 30-45 minutes before you give the insulin.
Drops in BG are also more severe, so you should not attempt to get really low BG's in mid-cycle with the NPH insulins. It's more like a very steep V curve then a nice gentle smile you get with the L insulins. You do not have the safety margins with the NPH insulins like you do with the better insulins like Lantus, Levimir and Prozinc.
1. Do not shoot if the BG is <200 (You don't have enough data yet)
2. Pre-shot test, feed, wait 30-45 minutes, then shoot. This waiting period between feeding and shooting the NPH insulin is so important with these insulins. Do not rush things.
3. Err on the side of caution with the dose.
You were originally feeding some dry food to Lily, back before 1/9/14. Since you no longer feed the dry food, just the Fancy Feast, that may have had a big impact on her BG levels. I know you were on 1u when you originally started. Even that may be too much with the diet change.
Let's see what tomorrow brings.
The importance of those pre-shot tests can not be emphasized enough with the fast acting NPH insulins like Novolin N and Humulin N. You have a much shorter window of time before these insulins start to work, so it's very important to feed at least 30-45 minutes before you give the insulin.
Drops in BG are also more severe, so you should not attempt to get really low BG's in mid-cycle with the NPH insulins. It's more like a very steep V curve then a nice gentle smile you get with the L insulins. You do not have the safety margins with the NPH insulins like you do with the better insulins like Lantus, Levimir and Prozinc.
1. Do not shoot if the BG is <200 (You don't have enough data yet)
2. Pre-shot test, feed, wait 30-45 minutes, then shoot. This waiting period between feeding and shooting the NPH insulin is so important with these insulins. Do not rush things.
3. Err on the side of caution with the dose.
You were originally feeding some dry food to Lily, back before 1/9/14. Since you no longer feed the dry food, just the Fancy Feast, that may have had a big impact on her BG levels. I know you were on 1u when you originally started. Even that may be too much with the diet change.
Let's see what tomorrow brings.
Jen&Eddie
Member Since 2013
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Wonderful job Lou Ann!
I've not been at the "sugar dance" very long, but from what I've seen here, it does seem that about 50% of new beans are surprised by the low numbers they are seeing the first time they get that first successful home test. I hope you will share your experiences with other new beans that join about the importance of home testing!
Paws crossed for a good day tomorrow for you and Lily!
Wonderful job Lou Ann!
I've not been at the "sugar dance" very long, but from what I've seen here, it does seem that about 50% of new beans are surprised by the low numbers they are seeing the first time they get that first successful home test. I hope you will share your experiences with other new beans that join about the importance of home testing!
Paws crossed for a good day tomorrow for you and Lily!
Mamalou
Member Since 2014
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Not starting out to be a good day. The meter is not registering the sample. I poked her 3 times, got blood, meter just keeps blinking. Even tried poking myself, same thing. Guess I will be buying a new meter. Also used the remaining test strips I had so off to Wal-mart at 7:00 am.
I had to feed her, she was starving and crying and glued to my legs. No shot till I get a good reading.
p.s. my Keurig died this morning too!
Not starting out to be a good day. The meter is not registering the sample. I poked her 3 times, got blood, meter just keeps blinking. Even tried poking myself, same thing. Guess I will be buying a new meter. Also used the remaining test strips I had so off to Wal-mart at 7:00 am.
I had to feed her, she was starving and crying and glued to my legs. No shot till I get a good reading.
p.s. my Keurig died this morning too!
Mamalou
Member Since 2014
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Called the Relion company this morning. They are sending a new meter. Still had to buy another one since I cannot wait until I get the replacement. Well, at least I will have a back up. Lily is not having anything to do with testing this morning. We did not get any blood for the new meter. Giving her a little break before the next one.
Called the Relion company this morning. They are sending a new meter. Still had to buy another one since I cannot wait until I get the replacement. Well, at least I will have a back up. Lily is not having anything to do with testing this morning. We did not get any blood for the new meter. Giving her a little break before the next one.
Dyana
Member Since 2009
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
What gauge are your lancets? I have always used the 28 gauge as they are a little bigger and poke a bigger hole. The smaller 31 gauge make a smaller hole and don't work well for us.
Good luck on your next try, and don't forget the after test treat.
What gauge are your lancets? I have always used the 28 gauge as they are a little bigger and poke a bigger hole. The smaller 31 gauge make a smaller hole and don't work well for us.
Good luck on your next try, and don't forget the after test treat.
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Well, we know she still has some blood left if her toes and nose are still a nice pink.
:shock:
Ok, let's see here.
Are you warming the ear? Make a rice sock, old sock with about a couple of tablespoons of rice in it, tie in knot in the top to keep the rice in.. Heat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. It should feel comfortable on your bare skin. If too hot, let cool a bit. Put the warm sock against the ear to get the blood flowing. Then poke, two pokes really close together while you are gently holding the edge of the ear. Don't flinch, be calm because you need both pokes to be close together. You should get a nice size drop.
Alternatively, you can rub the ears gently between your thumb and index finger. Until they feel warm to the touch. This is what I do for Wink.
Or, some people say they blow on the ear with their warm breath, to warm things up.
I think it's harder to get the blood to flow in this colder winter weather, when the temperature in our homes is lower. Try some of those ideas.
(It's probably not much warmer down there in Seekonk, MA then it is up here in the Newburyport, MA area ;-) )
Mamalou said:
Well, we know she still has some blood left if her toes and nose are still a nice pink.
:shock: Ok, let's see here.
Are you warming the ear? Make a rice sock, old sock with about a couple of tablespoons of rice in it, tie in knot in the top to keep the rice in.. Heat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. It should feel comfortable on your bare skin. If too hot, let cool a bit. Put the warm sock against the ear to get the blood flowing. Then poke, two pokes really close together while you are gently holding the edge of the ear. Don't flinch, be calm because you need both pokes to be close together. You should get a nice size drop.
Alternatively, you can rub the ears gently between your thumb and index finger. Until they feel warm to the touch. This is what I do for Wink.
Or, some people say they blow on the ear with their warm breath, to warm things up.
I think it's harder to get the blood to flow in this colder winter weather, when the temperature in our homes is lower. Try some of those ideas.
(It's probably not much warmer down there in Seekonk, MA then it is up here in the Newburyport, MA area ;-) )
Mamalou
Member Since 2014
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Deb: It was 16 degrees here this morning. I do use the rice/sock to warm her ear, but today for some reason, nothing is working. Will keep trying. She has had no insulin since yesterday morning at 6:30. Curious to see what her numbers are without it.
Deb: It was 16 degrees here this morning. I do use the rice/sock to warm her ear, but today for some reason, nothing is working. Will keep trying. She has had no insulin since yesterday morning at 6:30. Curious to see what her numbers are without it.
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Take a break from the testing and try again later. You are both probably frustrated and the pokies are just not working.
Could she be dehydrated? Pull up on the scruff of Lily's neck. Does it spring back quickly, or stay up for a bit?
Take a break from the testing and try again later. You are both probably frustrated and the pokies are just not working.
Could she be dehydrated? Pull up on the scruff of Lily's neck. Does it spring back quickly, or stay up for a bit?
BJM
Member Since 2010
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
If the skin tents, that is moderately to severely dehydrated.
Contact your vet because if it gets severe enough, an IV could be needed (i.e., the cat may need veterinary care)
Adding a little extra water to the canned food can help if it is mild, as can subcutaneous fluids.
If the skin tents, that is moderately to severely dehydrated.
Contact your vet because if it gets severe enough, an IV could be needed (i.e., the cat may need veterinary care)
Adding a little extra water to the canned food can help if it is mild, as can subcutaneous fluids.
Dusty Bones
Member Since 2013
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Have you tried removing and reinstalling the test strip? My Relion does the blinking thing sometimes too, I just remove the test strip and reinstall it and it works fine. Also keep in mind if you wait too long to get blood after you install the test strip it'll time out and you have to pull it out and reinstall then too.Mamalou said:
Mamalou
Member Since 2014
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Not sure what to do. No blood, no insulin since yesterday at 6:00 am. I have poked her poor ears so much today, and I am not getting enough blood to test. Any suggestions. She is not cooperating any longer and is trying to get away. Frustrated. Should I feed her and test again later? :YMSIGH:
Not sure what to do. No blood, no insulin since yesterday at 6:00 am. I have poked her poor ears so much today, and I am not getting enough blood to test. Any suggestions. She is not cooperating any longer and is trying to get away. Frustrated. Should I feed her and test again later? :YMSIGH:
KPassa
Member Since 2012
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Yes, I say give her a break. You did quite a bit of testing in these last few days. :thumbup Since she hasn't had a shot this morning, I wouldn't worry too much about getting a test in till her next shot time. (When is that due?)
Yes, I say give her a break. You did quite a bit of testing in these last few days. :thumbup Since she hasn't had a shot this morning, I wouldn't worry too much about getting a test in till her next shot time. (When is that due?)
Mamalou
Member Since 2014
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Good morning All!
Succcess: 141 this morning. She has been without insulin since Saturday at 6:00 am. She is doing great. Will re-test her about an hour after she has eaten, but looks like she won't need a shot again today. Hoping and praying (to St. Francis/St. Jude) that this nightmare will end.
Question; If her number goes up over 200 do I shoot or not. What would you give her if it does. Her dose was 2 units before we had the low numbers.
200-300: half unit?
300-400: 1 unit??
Help!
Lou Ann
Good morning All!
Succcess: 141 this morning. She has been without insulin since Saturday at 6:00 am. She is doing great. Will re-test her about an hour after she has eaten, but looks like she won't need a shot again today. Hoping and praying (to St. Francis/St. Jude) that this nightmare will end.
Question; If her number goes up over 200 do I shoot or not. What would you give her if it does. Her dose was 2 units before we had the low numbers.
200-300: half unit?
300-400: 1 unit??
Help!
Lou Ann
Dyana
Member Since 2009
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
I'm sorry Lou Ann, I do not know that insulin. I do know that the food will probably spike up her numbers and she may be over 200 an hour after eating.
If her pancreas is working a little bit, her pancreas may produce a little insulin after the food, and thus bring her numbers down by about +3 or +4. If you decide to skip, and are home today to do so, I would try to get a test about 4 hours after the food, so see if she brought herself down.
Great job on the successful test! I hope you gave her some treats and lovings
I'm sorry Lou Ann, I do not know that insulin. I do know that the food will probably spike up her numbers and she may be over 200 an hour after eating.
If her pancreas is working a little bit, her pancreas may produce a little insulin after the food, and thus bring her numbers down by about +3 or +4. If you decide to skip, and are home today to do so, I would try to get a test about 4 hours after the food, so see if she brought herself down.
Great job on the successful test! I hope you gave her some treats and lovings
KPassa
Member Since 2012
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Singing helped keep my mind off the actual task of testing and focused on the words to the song, which made me more calm and in turn made Mikey more calm. :smile:
(Although, whenever I'd hit a wrong note, his ears would flatten back in annoyance. :lol: )
Singing helped keep my mind off the actual task of testing and focused on the words to the song, which made me more calm and in turn made Mikey more calm. :smile:
(Although, whenever I'd hit a wrong note, his ears would flatten back in annoyance. :lol: )
Dyana
Member Since 2009
Re: Lily's first BGs very low! Novolin N Advice please
Please change the Subject Line in your first post to something like "HELP just tested 32, need to leave for work!" or start a new thread. This one is getting very long.
Is she eating okay? I would retest and see if the test strip was bad or something. Sometimes we get funky readings.
Please change the Subject Line in your first post to something like "HELP just tested 32, need to leave for work!" or start a new thread. This one is getting very long.
Is she eating okay? I would retest and see if the test strip was bad or something. Sometimes we get funky readings.
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