New Member, somewhat newly diagnosed cat

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Yeah, I knew you could do it! Welcome to the Vampire Club :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT

307 is not a bad number. He may have gone low today and this could be a bounce up. It also is influenced by the dry food. Let's see what you get before shot time.

 

[Mandy and Bradley]

Okay, well, I just did it and it was very, very easy! It took about 5 minutes. The only problem is is that his sugar was 307. It really climbed up. Now, keep in mind he did have some dry food when he got home from the vet and I'm not sure if he eat shortly before I tested him or not. I have to test him again around 6:00, since 6:00 is when he is due for insulin.

I'll post back my results on a new thread later when I get them. It's 4:30 here now. Anyway, in the meantime, any ideas right now as to his sugar being 307 right now?

I would say it's probably the dry food. You don't want to take him off it yet, though, because his need for insulin is going to decrease once you do. You'll want to get some numbers and lower his dose first, because it's already probably too high. Once you get it down a bet, then you can start weaning him off the dry while closely monitoring his dose.

Okay, sounds good. Will there be a time where I feel comfortable adjusting the dose myself rather than come to you guys?

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

Okay, sounds good. Will there be a time where I feel comfortable adjusting the dose myself rather than come to you guys?

It did with me, but it definitely took me a little while to learn everything and be confident enough with my choices. I used to get advice on a daily basis in the beginning, and then it was just if something unusual was happening, and then finally when I was easing Bandit into remission. There's a PZI forum here where you can always get advice: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewforum.php?f=24

I used Lantus myself, so I can't give you dosing advice, but Sue is experienced and she has her eye on you.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Julia is right - you will soon get the hang of it. Use her link and go over to the PZI forum and check out some of the threads. There are people who have been on PZI on months and some for just a few weeks. It is a great support system. Look at their spreadsheets at the bottom of their posts and you can get a good idea of how this all works.

This board is the place to post when you need general help (like today when you need hometesting and diet help) When you want dosing help, you can also post over in PZI. It is not as busy as this forum but there is someone on in the am and pm who can help.

 

[Mandy and Bradley]

Julia is right - you will soon get the hang of it. Use her link and go over to the PZI forum and check out some of the threads. There are people who have been on PZI on months and some for just a few weeks. It is a great support system. Look at their spreadsheets at the bottom of their posts and you can get a good idea of how this all works.

This board is the place to post when you need general help (like today when you need hometesting and diet help) When you want dosing help, you can also post over in PZI. It is not as busy as this forum but there is someone on in the am and pm who can help.

So, when I get his blood reading before his insulin tonight, in less than an hour, should I go over there? Or can I use your suggestions in one of your posts above regarding dosing as a starting point for tonight and then wander over there tomorrow? You've been so helpful. I think it will most likely fall between 300 and 400. From your post, it sounds like 1 unit if that is the case, and if over 400, 1.5?

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Either way.. I would start posting there daily for dose advice until you feel comfortable on your own. (Which won't be long.) Since you got a lower number at the vet and you are going to change to wet lo carb (right?), I think I would go with the one unit. It's overnight so you probably won't be getting many tests in. We just aren't sure how things will shake out.

The nice thing about PZI is "what you see is what you get". With the other long lasting insulins, they build up in the body and you have to consider a carry over effect so something your numbers can change over a week. With PZI, you can shoot the number tonight and reassess tomorrow.

About the food change. Some kitties can change right over and never look back. Some kitties with more sensitive stomachs need longer to get used to it. You might mix it for a few feedings, decreasing the dry and increasing the wet. Or if you think he has a cast iron stomach, go ahead and change. Now that you are testing, you can vary the insulin to match any changes the food makes.

 

[Mandy and Bradley]

My last question and I'll leave you alone

When should I make the food change? I should wait until I am comfortable with the dose, right, and we get a good routine going? I won't be able to get to the store tonight to get the good low-carb Fancy Feast and I don't have any here. I only have Blue Buffalo canned and I think they have too many carbs, so he may not be getting the good low-carb canned tomorrow a.m.

Thank you so much for all of your help!!!! Everyone!

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Yes, tomorrow would be great. Most of us print off the food charts and take them with us so we can get the right kind. (There are so many choices!) Get one can of several different brands and flavors until you figure out what he will eat. (Not that cats are picky :mrgreen: )

 

[Mandy and Bradley]

Okay, thank you!