Just got our meter, now what?

[Leah & Paul]

Hi, so we managed to do a glucose curve this weekend with a meter borrowed from our vets.
After positive results, in terms of how she is reacting to the insulin we have purchased a human blood glucose meter.
The question is what to do with the results. I see people have a spreadsheet that they use. How do I get this and what dose it mean?
How do I know how much insulin to give as I don't believe what the vet has told us of 3 units 12 hrs apart can be always correct.
Thank you i advance
Paul &Leah

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Congrats for getting your own meter and embarking on home testing!

Here's the basic testing routine we recommend:

1. test every day AM and PM before feeding and injecting (no food at least 2 hours before) to see if the planned dose is safe
2. test at least once near mid cycle or at bedtime daily to see how low the BG goes
3. do extra tests on days off to fill in the response picture
4. if indicated by consistently high numbers on your spreadsheet, increase the dose by no more than 0.25 u at a time so you don't accidentally go right past a good dose
5. post here for advice whenever you're confused or unsure of what to do.

This is useful: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

This is the spreadsheet we use: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/ and this is what the numbers and acronyms mean: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/understanding-the-spreadsheet-grid.156606/

Re dose: 3 units is too high as a starting dose. You might eventually get there after a number of careful dose increases but you shouldn't be starting there. The most common, reasonable starting dose is 1 unit twice a day (12 hours apart). If she eats any dry food or high carb gravy style wet food her BG might be high enough to support a 3 u dose. However, a low carb wet food only diet is best for a diabetic. What insulin are you using?

It would be helpful if you set up your signature with a brief summary of key info. Here's how:

• click on your name in the upper right corner of this page
• click on "signature" in the men that drops down
• type the following in the box that opens: kitty's name/age/date of diabetes diagnosis/insulin you're using /glucose meter you're using/what she eats/any other meds or health issues he has.