Testing at home is very easy, so please don't be alarmed at the suggestion.
I have two high dose cats and I had them tested as I suggested to you around the time the dose for Shadoe was 9u BID. She had also had pancreatitis a bit earlier.
Testing your cat at home is easy. You poke the tip of the cats ear, and using a normal glucose meter you can get at any pharmacy, suck up the bead of blood from the poke onto a test strip in the meter and the meter gives you a number. I don't have a link handy but you can search on youtube and find lots of videos that show home testing. I bet there are some others here who can give you the links too.
Easy peasy; my two cats sleep through the testing.
Think back to your first giving shots and how you felt then. I am sure a poke in the ear for a drop of blood to test is going to be easier than learning to give the insulin shots. I know you can do it and there are many people around here that can help you with tips if you have any problems. There are lots of videos to watch as well.
Once you are testing, you can do your own curves to see what the insulin is doing. You may see that the BG numbers stay fairly high and flat so you would think more insulin is needed, OR, you may see a high number when you give the shot, but then the numbers drop very low, too low, and then just bounce up again high by the time of the next shot. It's very helpful and puts you more in control when you know what the reaction is to those shots you are giving your cat. No more need to take your cat to a vet place and hang around all day in strange surroundings, all to be poked in the ear a few times by strangers. Better to be poked at home, by someone known who loves her.
With a high dose, there can be other issues contributing to that need. Infections can cause raised numbers; tests can rule those out. Dental problems can contribute to raised numbers; you can have the vet ensure no oral problems are present, and you would likely see your cat exhibit eating problems. Some food issues can contribute to high numbers as well; removing all high carb foods, and tossing all dry foods plus those treats out the window will help immensely. But, while you are checking all these other things out, I would suggest you make arrangements to have your cat tested for insulin resistance.
The two tests links I provided earlier are where you can start. My vet knew nothing of the tests, nor where to have such a thing done. I provided the sheets, said to call and find out what was needed, and the tests were done.
The tests will let you know what is the issue. A positive result for one or both is telling you that you have a functioning pancreas. Regular diabetics have pancreas issues and so you would have an important difference in your pile of knowledge. There are plenty of high dose people around who can help you out, and you won't change how you treat. You just know the reason for the high dose. And you will give her what she needs. If it's more insulin, then that's what you give.
Another thing you may want to consider is using two insulins, a basal and a bolus, if your home testing shows that the BG numbers are all very high and flat. You can use Humulin R to pull down the BG number to a safer level for your cat, but R is to be given is very small amounts to start -just a drop to start is sometimes enough for some cats. Do not start R until you are home testing and have gathered some info to know how your cat reacts. Using R helps but you need to be testing hourly in the beginning, so R is something to know about but leave until later.
But first things first.
Be sure the diet is all low carb, wet food. Dr Lisa has an immense wealth of knowledge, and can answer a great deal of concerns you may have.
Be sure there are no infections or other health issues that could be present. They truly can make a big difference in the numbers.
Be sure there are no dental or oral issues present. A dental and one extraction resulted in my Shadoe dropping from 14u to 2.75u but it did not last since the dental problem was only part of the picture. She still tested positive for Acromegaly.
Home testing is quite important for such high doses and even more important when you begin to make healthy changes for your cat. Once changes are made you may find that the high dose comes down quickly.
Please do ask any and all questions you may have.
