I'm new and need help

Sarah and Sammy

Sarah and Sammy

Member Since 2020
Hello, I'm very new to using FDMB so I'm still unsure about how this works but I need some support. My cat sammy is 15 years old and was diagnosed late Sept 2018. We had been giving him 1 unit of lantus 2x a day until saturday the 28th I did the usual.. feed, check then gave insulin his levels and was 270 all of this at about 7am but at 10:30 his levels dropped down to 43 we gave syrup and gave food but ended up taking him to the vet because he kept dropping the vet changed his dose to 1 unit once a day on new years day he started out at 495 and by 1pm he dropped down to 73 I was nervous that when I went to work the next day he would drop super low and I couldnt do anything so I only gave him .5 the morning of going to work his numbers were pretty good that day so the vet agreed to try .5 also concerned with him dropping low. Then he was having super high numbers the highest I have seen was 557 so again i called the vet and they changed it to 1 unit 1x a day. This morning I checked him before eating and before giving insulin he was 380 (6:15am) and and 9am he was at 432. I know it hasn't been alot of time for him to get adjusted but I'm freaking out that I cant get him back to normal and I'm also scared that his levels will drop super low when im not around to save him. Can anyone give me advise?
 
Welcome to the best place you never wanted to be!

This is a great forum and there's a lot of help and resources for you and Sammy! You've come to the right place!

So the best way to get started here is to set up your Spreadsheet so that you can record all those numbers, doses, etc. that you've mentioned in your first comment. I'm going to tag @Marje and Gracie here to see this and she will help you.

At the top of this forum are a number of 'yellow stickies' - please start with the first one - 'The Basics..... and work your way through them...yes, there's a ton of information but take it slow and read as much as you can until you get a grasp of how things work. Feline Diabetes is not a simple quick fix and in some cases takes quite a bit of time to conquer. Others are lucky enough to move along much more quickly. Let's hope you're in the latter group! :joyful:

This is the information on how to set up your signature - so we can all see some basic information about you and Sammy: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/

Last but not least - your title today should read as follows: 1/7 Sammy AMPS ### - I'm new and need help.

Others will come along and visit your condo and make suggestions and give you other recommendations for getting things set up. Again, welcome to the forum!:bighug:
 
Welcome Sarah and your so cute little Sammy! As Sue mentioned, the "Basics.." in the yellow stickies will give you a ton of info; just go at your own pace! I think the main thing is to start with setting up your SS and your profile, that way it will be easier for anyone to help you. Marje will be able to give you great advices for your insulin!

We were all like you when we started, so don't be shy and ask as many questions as you need ! :)
 
Welcome Sarah and Sammy!!! Sue has given you a lot of good info to get started, hope to see you back soon. Sammy is a very cute kitty! :bighug:
 
Welcome Sarah and Sammy! If you can please send me a private message, I can set up the SS for you. Just click on “Marje and Gracie” to the left and then “start a conversation”.

Thank you!
 
Welcome, Sarah and Sammy.

Are you still giving Lantus only once a day? If so, that goes a long way to explain the numbers you are seeing. Lantus is a depot insulin and to maintain the depot, needs to be given every 12 hours. Lantus craves and works best with consistency. We can help you find a dose that can safely be given twice a day.
 
Red & Rover (GA) said:
Welcome, Sarah and Sammy.

Are you still giving Lantus only once a day? If so, that goes a long way to explain the numbers you are seeing. Lantus is a depot insulin and to maintain the depot, needs to be given every 12 hours. Lantus craves and works best with consistency. We can help you find a dose that can safely be given twice a day.
Click to expand...
The only reason why we are giving it once a day right now is because he dipped so low with no reason why. The vet said 1 x a day and then do a curve in a week and we will go from there.
 
Lantus dosing really needs to be every 12 hrs. Lantus is a depot insulin and if you are only giving insulin once a day, you lose the benefit of a long acting insulin. Generally, in a situation such as you've described, we suggest you reduce the dose so you can safely give a shot twice a day. Let's take a look at what the data looks like once your spreadsheet is set up. My guess is that starting at 0.5u twice a day will make sense but seeing the spreadsheet will help.

When you have a chance, as others have suggested, take a look at the sticky notes so you'll have a better idea of what I'm talking about.
 
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