I think I gave too much insulin

[Dex & Ollie]

Really worried— I just fed Dexter and gave him his usual shot of insulin (1 unit). I use the Lantus pen, so only one click. When I gave him the insulin I heard 3 clicks. I don’t know how it could have clicked over three times unless I accidentally loaded 3 units. I’ve never had a problem with the pen before.

Dexter usually eats a lot and now he doesn’t seem that interested in food. I usually give him a canned food but still have his old dry kibble, and offered that to him. Not interested in that either.

On top of all that, I’m out of testing strips, although Amazon promises they’re going to be delivered today by 8pm.

Any ideas???

 

[Bronx's dad (GA)]

You will need those strips! Can you get them at a Walmart or CVS?

 

[Dex & Ollie]

I have some from my old meter that I don’t like as much (for humans). I’m waiting on the alpha trak strips- can those be gotten from CVS?

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I agree. Can you duck out and get some strips before the shops shut?
I have no idea about the Lantus pen and the sounds it makes.
But if you think you have given too much insulin, you really need some strips.

 

[Bronx's dad (GA)]

Well, good thing you have another meter with strips. If you did give a triple dose, close monitoring will be needed...

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I have some from my old meter that I don’t like as much (for humans). I’m waiting on the alpha trak strips- can those be gotten from CVS?

Those shpuld be ok. Are they still in date?
Did you get a PMPS blood test?

 

[Dex & Ollie]

I have a way to monitor, just not on my regular device. He’s at 259 right now, but again, that’s on a meter that I don’t usually use. C’mon Amazon...

 

[Dex & Ollie]

PMPS he was 217.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I have a way to monitor, just not on my regular device. He’s at 259 right now, but again, that’s on a meter that I don’t usually use. C’mon Amazon...

That's OK. We will be able to see if the BSL goes up or down. Just keep using the one meter.
Can you get a +1 and a +2?

 

[Dex & Ollie]

Yes, I’ll get a +1 and +2.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I have to go and pick up kids from school but will be back in about an hour,
Areyou goingto be around @Bronx's dad ?

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

When this potential crisis is over, let's talk about how to use syringes rather than the pen needles. They can vary in actual dose given....

 

[Dex & Ollie]

I know, I need to move to syringes. My vet encouraged this too, and this is all I needed to make the change. I’ll get some ASAP.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I need to move to syringes. My vet encouraged this too, and this is all I needed to make the change. I’ll get some ASAP.

All these syringes have half unit markings (very important when you're doing microdosing) and are the correct syringes for U100 insulin and are available from ADW online:
UtiCare
Monoject
Carepoint
Sure Comfort
B/D

They're also available at WalMart if you have one near you. Their Relion brand 3/10ml, 30 or 31 gauge, 6mm or 8mm insulin syringes all come with half unit markings and are only $12.58 for a box of 100 (although a lot of them don't realize they DO come with half unit markings!)

I believe Walgreens also has some syringes with half unit markings but I'm not sure about that.

 

[Dex & Ollie]

Dexter was 332 at +1 and 329 at +2. I gave him dry kibble after his mis-dose and I guess he’s okay now. Do you think he’ll be ok? I’ll keep testing every hour or two, but it seems like either a) the shot didn’t give as much as I thought, or b) he ate enough carbs to offset it.

 

[Jeff D / Sketch]

I would definitely keep testing every hour or so. You are still pretty early in this insulin cycle and that could change quickly! Make sure you have your crash kit stocked just in case things go south! And like the others mentioned get changed over to syringes so there can't be any pen malfunctions either putting Dex in danger or you in worry or sleepless night mode.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Looks like he will be ok but I would get a +4 and a +6 just to make sure.
Are you aware that dry kibble is very high in carbs and we don’t recommend feeding it at all. If you want to use high carb food, canned high carb is a much better choice.
Have you decided to do the TR or SLGS protocol?
Feeding dry kibble is not allowed if following the TR.

 

[Dex & Ollie]

At +3.5 he’s 281, so I’m crossing my fingers that he’s ok. I’ll keep checking tonight, but thanks for all your help.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

At +3.5 he’s 281, so I’m crossing my fingers that he’s ok. I’ll keep checking tonight, but thanks for all your help.

I’d get a +5
You are doing a good job monitoring

 

[Dex & Ollie]

Hi everyone-- I got a +6 (222) and went to bed. He was at 307 AMPS today, so I guess he's fine. I don't know why the pen clicked the way it did, but I'm guessing it gave him his normal amount of insulin, and I gave him carbs out of concern. Anyway, calling the vet today to get the U100 needles. Thanks for all your help.

 

[Kelly and Buddy]

All these syringes have half unit markings (very important when you're doing microdosing) and are the correct syringes for U100 insulin and are available from ADW online:
UtiCare
Monoject
Carepoint
Sure Comfort
B/D

They're also available at WalMart if you have one near you. Their Relion brand 3/10ml, 30 or 31 gauge, 6mm or 8mm insulin syringes all come with half unit markings and are only $12.58 for a box of 100 (although a lot of them don't realize they DO come with half unit markings!)

I believe Walgreens also has some syringes with half unit markings but I'm not sure about that.

Walgreens does have the 1/2 unit markings and they are one of the only places I have found that have the 1/2 inch syringe. I hate the 5/8 syringe.

 

[Krystina & Nelli]

believe Walgreens also has some syringes with half unit markings but I'm not sure about that.

They do. I use them!