Is this normal? BG going up after staring insulin

[Buffy-&-Cindee]

I just started my cat on insulin on the 21st. Since then, her BG is going up. Is this normal? My vet didn't want me to test her before each meal because she felt that it was unnecessary at this point since her numbers are high so there's not much on her SS.

 

[BJM]

You may be seeing a bounce.
When the glucose drops rapidly and/or drops to a level which is unfamiliar, compensatory hormones release stored glucose (glycogen) to keep the cat safe. This results in elevated numbers. You won't know if that is true without testing around the nadir, the lowest glucose post shot.
For Lantus, this is often between +5 to +7 hours after the shot.

 

[Buffy-&-Cindee]

Thank you. I feel better now. It's amazing how the body works.

 

[BJM]

Numbers in the 200s are not exceptionally high (think 400s and up). We suggest new insulin users not give insulin if the pre-shot test is under 200 mg/dL on a human meter, until and unless there is data showing that it will be safe. That means tests mid-cycle that don't go below 50 mg/dL.

Lantus is a depot insulin. This means it has a bit of overlap with each shot, which results in a cummulative effect. The first dose takes from 5 to 7 days to stabilize. You appear to be on about the 5th dose and got what appears to be a bounce. I would take that as a warning he may be going lower than you want and you need to get some mid-cycle tests to make sure he is still safe.

 

[phlika29]

Hi

A lot of members are advised to not worry about testing but it really isn't the best idea. It is also good to start early on in the process so that you and Cindee will get used to it and it just become part of your normal routine. It sounds like you are giving it a go yourself and that's great. It really is the best way to keep your cat safe

I've just edited my post as it looks like you are getting some good tests in. I agree with BJM. The yellows numbers are looking good. Cindee is doing well. Are you checking for ketones? That might be worthwhile doing.

 

[Buffy-&-Cindee]

My vet was ok with testing every few hours after the first 7 days. It's this first week that she didn't think is was necessary. I may not do it every few hours this week but I will starting on the 7th day. I'll test her before each injection though. I'll test her before I go to bed tonight. That will be 5 hours after her injection. Hopefully that won't be too soon.

I'm not testing her for ketones. That would be touch because I rarely see her pee. She's an indoor/outdoor cat (fenced in) and she prefers to go outside. Her behavior is good, she's eating well, not crying for more food, which she was doing, and she's stopped peeing outside the box...or yeah...I saw her when she was doing that. Now that it would be helpful, I don't see her. :roll:

 

[Deb & Wink]

Although the nadir or low point in the Lantus cycle is usually in the +5 to +7 hour range after the injection, not all kitties play by the rule book. My Wink had an early nadir, around +3 to +4. Some cats nadir later, +7 to +10. ECID or Every Cat Is Different. It's why we like to see a bit more testing in the beginning to help you find out how your cat is reacting to the insulin.