LOW AMPS

[Tracy Dietz]

Pumpkin has not had any insulin since 7/16. I have been testing her every morning before breakfast and it has been below 200 (actually hovering mostly around 100). My vet had instructed to not give insulin if it is below 200. Anyway, this morning, her BG was 55. I retested twice even opening a new bottle of test strips and tested myself receiving what I believe is probably pretty accurate, so I don't think the problem was the meter or test strips. She did not seem to be in any distress. There have been some days recently where her BG was in the 80's. I have not been too worried with those results (actually thrilled with that number). She ate well after testing this morning. I am just concerned that her test results seem AWFULLY low. Is this likely just because she had not eaten and needed some food? I feed her twice per day. Canned. Low carb. Thanks in advance.

 

[CassAndGordy(GA)]

Pumpkin hasnt had any insulin in almost 10 days? (Just confirming.)

If yes, then that 55 is very good! There are no concerns with "hypos" when no insulin is present. some cats just sit naturally "low" and there is nothing wrong with that. ECID.

 

[Tracy Dietz]

That is correct. No insulin since 7/16. Her AMPS have been about 80-90 (no insulin) before breakfast. Fantastic. The vet thought she might go into remission once we got her off the prednisone and dry food and gave her a little help to "re-start". Maybe we are headed in that direction. Thanks for your response. I was worried it was too low.

 

[Marvin's Mom - Nat]

Hi Tracey, she is still in the normal zone. It maybe because she had not eaten. It is a low number so if you just feed her, I would check her BG again in 30 minutes. I don't have a lot of experience, so not sure if a cat can go too low when not on insulin. Hoping a more experience member will drop in. @Wendy&Neko @Gill & George

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

there is a medical condition where they can go too low..... but that's not the case here.

It is likely the lack of food..... but normal cats cannot hypo when they are not on insulin.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

What I would suggest is getting a little more data. Could you routinely get tests at both AMPS and PMPS? It probably wouldn't hurt to get a test around mid-cycle. This will give you (and us) a better picture of what's happening with Pumpkin's numbers and if, in fact, her FD was dry food and steroid-induced.

Also, it will help to keep Pumpkin better regulated if you're feeding her several small meals per day, if you're not already doing so.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Do you have any other cats at home? I tested my civie and a friend's cat and both regularly tested in the 50's. Normal numbers for a cat are usually between 50 and 80, though we've had some test in the 40's. We don't want cats on insulin going that low, because it leaves no margin for safety.

Since Pumpkin's pancreas is newly healed, feeding multiple small meals is easier on her pancreas as Sienne suggests. At this point, we'd consider her to be still in a trial to see if she can do without insulin. Here is the definition of remiission from one of the Sticky Notes:
Remission:
Remission is reached when kitty can go 14 days without insulin. Most cats will remain in the range of a healthy cat 50 - 80mg/dL (2.7 - 4.4 mmol/L) with only sporadic higher or lower BG numbers.

And good luck! Exciting times.