? Lantus and food combo = super-low BG?

[Ashley H & Gizmo]

So, we've been switched to a totally canned/wet food diet for about a month now and things have been going well. However, for the past few days we've been feeding Fancy Feast Chicken/Beef Classics instead of the Friskies Pates and have seen Gizmo's numbers dropping very low (into hypo territory for sure!).

He's acted perfectly fine, aside from clearly being super hungry, when this happens which has made me less worried. But, I was wondering if anyone else had seen similar trends with Fancy Feast foods? He only receives both doses about every 2-3 days because he's been so low in either the AM or PM.

We started with 1 can of FF, per meal, then went to 1.5-ish. This morning, he had two full cans for breakfast and was under 40 within 8 hours of his shot. Might it be possible that on FF, alone, his numbers would stay within the normal range without insulin? Once we're out of Friskies, we plan to switch to only FF food to see if my hunch has any validity while monitoring BG as we are now.

 

[Bronx's dad (GA)]

I'm no expert, but it appears his dose is too high causing him to drop too low and then bounce. He earned a decrease with that first light green.

 

[LizzieInTexas]

I think this is your previous post.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/7-23-gizmo-amps-78-do-i-dose.181119/#post-2006281

Your Gizmo has definitely earned a reduction.

Someone with dosing experience will be along to give more specific advise.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I would lower his dose to 2.25 units, maybe even 2.0 units. 2.5 units is too much insulin. Kitties have the unique ability to heal the pancreas, which means dose requirements can change over time. Good job catching those low numbers.

 

[Ashley H & Gizmo]

Thank you all! If his PM number is within shooting range, I'll definitely lower his dose to see if that makes a difference.

I did a side-by-side comparison, today, of the Friskies and FF foods we have--using the most recent chart--and it definitely seems like the FF is a better option. It definitely seems to have a much bigger impact on his glucose levels, as well. Clearly, I'm no expert but his numbers have been consistently lower when he's eaten Fancy Feast and he acts like he enjoys it more anyway, haha. Very much hope that we can control his diabetes with diet, as I'm sure we all hope for our kitties!

 

[Doodles & Karen]

I agree with Wendy and would drop his dose to 2u. When there is a food switch from dry to wet their insulin needs can change rapidly. You're doing great but getting at least a before bed test is important. Some kitties go lower at night and it helps fill in the blanks. Only testing during the day gives you 1/2 the picture. Did you give high carb food with that 32 and get another test?

 

[Ashley H & Gizmo]

I agree with Wendy and would drop his dose to 2u. When there is a food switch from dry to wet their insulin needs can change rapidly. You're doing great but getting at least a before bed test is important. Some kitties go lower at night and it helps fill in the blanks. Only testing during the day gives you 1/2 the picture. Did you give high carb food with that 32 and get another test?

We'll be testing him again soon, before dinner. I did give him some GlycoBalance dry kibble with the 32 (and every other super-low reading), which he gladly ate and then wanted to play.

He's been on wet food for a majority of the time since diagnosis, but the Friskies vs Fancy Feast has seemed to make a difference, just as much if not more than the switch from dry food to wet. If he's withing dosing range this evening, I'll be reducing to 2u, for sure!

 

[Doodles & Karen]

I did give him some GlycoBalance dry kibble with the 32

It's real important to have high carb gravy food or honey/karo syrup on hand for those low numbers. 32 is way to low and should always be followed up by a test to make sure they are rising. Dry is ok but may take longer to get in his system and you don't want him in the 30's...it's dangerous. My intent is not to sound harsh but we've seen kitties die on this board from too low of sugar levels.

 

[Ashley H & Gizmo]

It's real important to have high carb gravy food or honey/karo syrup on hand for those low numbers. 32 is way to low and should always be followed up by a test to make sure they are rising. Dry is ok but may take longer to get in his system and you don't want him in the 30's...it's dangerous. My intent is not to sound harsh but we've seen kitties die on this board from too low of sugar levels.

We've been giving dry kibble for low numbers successfully and he responds to any food quite quickly, as we learned with other lower numbers. He also hasn't show any signs of low blood sugar outside of hunger. I understand that it's a dangerous level and feed him immediately when <50.

 

[Doodles & Karen]

There is still depot at play from the 2.5u. If it were me I'd at least get a +2 tonight. He may bounce from that low today but might not.

 

[Barbara & Uncle (GA)]

It's real important to have high carb gravy food or honey/karo syrup on hand for those low numbers. 32 is way to low and should always be followed up by a test to make sure they are rising. Dry is ok but may take longer to get in his system and you don't want him in the 30's...it's dangerous. My intent is not to sound harsh but we've seen kitties die on this board from too low of sugar levels.

I second everything Karen has said. I've seen it happen more than once in the 10 months since I've been here. It's beyond sad as you can imagine and some of us have become pretty outspoken because of it.
I just checked out Gizmo's SS for the first time. Looks like Gizmo is really responding to the Lantus and the change in diet. Way to go!!!