Ketones dropping but sugar still high?

[Erik Oksenholt]

Is it normal for ketones to start dropping significantly but blood sugar to still be high? I'm still in the first week since starting insulin and switching to low carb wet food. I've been watching him like a hawk to make sure he doesn't drop too low. My question is: Is it normal for ketones to drop signiicantly but still have high glucose. I still haven't reached the best insulin dose, but have seen physical improvements. I can't bring myself to use the lancet to his ears one more time because I can never get enough blood to use. I purchased the urine test strips that test 15 different issues. His blood sugar, was at the maximum color (which equaled over 2000) as well as maximum ketones. I could not get him to eat, so he was likely in ketoacidosis and I wanted to take him to the vet, but I couldn't due to my finances. I have been so very worried about him. So, I could only afford the Novolin N Relion insulin (I know it is definitely not ideal, but it is all I can afford at the moment). I followed the advice of this forum by switching to wet low carb and gradually adjusting his dose very slowly. I have seen an improvement in his appetite (he actually will eat some now), plus his coat is looking better, and energy levels improving. His glucose is still showing very high, but have been cut in half from what it was before, as well as a significant drop from extremely high to low to moderate. I love my cat more than anyone knows and just want him to gain a healthy weight back and get his number where they need to be. I'll keep this updated daily as I'll be sure to have other questions. Thanks!

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi Erik,
Can you tell me what level the ketones is at please? If they are dropping that is good. And yes, the ketones can drop but the BGs can stay high.
You can get some test strips called Keto-diastix which just test for ketones and glucose. They are probably cheaper than the ones that test for a lot more issues.

How much insulin are you giving at the moment?

How much is your kitty eating now? With ketones it is really important to eat lots of food, as food is like a medicine and helps keep the ketones away. He should be eating 1 and a 1/2 times as much food as he normal eats. It is more important that he eats anything at the moment with ketones in the picture, than trying to keep him on a low carb diet, if he is struggling with that. If he likes the low carb food and will eat it…that’s good.
If he is struggling with his appetite, he might need an antinausea medication. Many cats with ketones do have nausea. Can you afford to go to the vet and ask for some antinausea medications such a cerenia or ondansetron? That would help a lot in getting him to eat more. Offer him snacks throughout the day and evening as well as the 2 main meals before the doses of insulin.

Are you waiting 60 minutes after he eats before you give the dose of insulin. It is important that you do this.

I would strongly recommend keep trying to test the blood glucose as it is importantly that we know how he is going with any particular dose. I am going to give you a link to HOMETESTING HINTS AND TIPS. Please try and persevere with it. What size lancets are you using. You need size 26 or 26 gauge, no bigger.

Here is a link to BEGINNERS GUIDE TO NOVOLIN N
I will watch for your posts each day.