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Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
Welcome to the FDMB Dan and extra sweet Taz!
If you've already bought the vial, just keep it in the refrigerator and treat it like nitro-glycerin! The pharmacists will tell you it's only good for 28 days, but we have people using it up to 6 months. Put it on an interior shelf, not the door
If you haven't bought it yet, ask your vet to write the prescription for the Lantus Solostar Pen. Each pen holds 3ml and they come in a box of 5, but Target stores seem willing to split open a box and sell one at a time.
There's also a savings card from Lantus on the Solostar. When you sign up, you either have to be 18, or be the caretaker of a child (like a furkid) They don't give the card to cats :evil:
Here's the link to sign up Lantus Savings Card
Are you going to home test Taz? It's really important that you learn how and do this to keep him safe and learn how he responds to insulin and food. You can get a human glucometer from WalMart for about $15 (Relion Prime or Confirm) and the strips are either $9 for 50 (Prime) or about $36 for 50 of the Confirm.
What kind of food are you feeding Taz? If you change him over to wet foods under 10% carbs, it will make a big difference in his blood glucose readings. We've had quite a few cats who didn't need insulin at all after switching to low carb foods.(but if you're feeding dry or high carb food now AND giving insulin, this needs to be a slow adjustment)
We're all here to help, so let us know what we can do to help you with this new adventure.
If you've already bought the vial, just keep it in the refrigerator and treat it like nitro-glycerin! The pharmacists will tell you it's only good for 28 days, but we have people using it up to 6 months. Put it on an interior shelf, not the door
If you haven't bought it yet, ask your vet to write the prescription for the Lantus Solostar Pen. Each pen holds 3ml and they come in a box of 5, but Target stores seem willing to split open a box and sell one at a time.
There's also a savings card from Lantus on the Solostar. When you sign up, you either have to be 18, or be the caretaker of a child (like a furkid) They don't give the card to cats :evil:
Here's the link to sign up Lantus Savings Card
Are you going to home test Taz? It's really important that you learn how and do this to keep him safe and learn how he responds to insulin and food. You can get a human glucometer from WalMart for about $15 (Relion Prime or Confirm) and the strips are either $9 for 50 (Prime) or about $36 for 50 of the Confirm.
What kind of food are you feeding Taz? If you change him over to wet foods under 10% carbs, it will make a big difference in his blood glucose readings. We've had quite a few cats who didn't need insulin at all after switching to low carb foods.(but if you're feeding dry or high carb food now AND giving insulin, this needs to be a slow adjustment)
We're all here to help, so let us know what we can do to help you with this new adventure.
Thanks so much for replying!!! We just started treatment yesterday. Bought the vial@ $190 :shock: Thanks for the info on the pen signed up for the savings card too. The vet didn't say anything about testing so thanks for that info. They sold us a few Purina DM canned food to start. Do I need to keep buying this or can i find low carb canned food at the local stores?
Thanks again for your help my wife and I greatly appreciate it!
Thanks again for your help my wife and I greatly appreciate it!
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Most of us here feed low carb canned foods from vet Dr. Lisa Pierson's food chart. Look in the 3rd column of numbers for foods that are under 10% carbs. Those are best for diabetic kitties. My sugarkitty Wink got OTJ (off-the-juice, insulin being the juice) and is now a diet controlled diabetic after being switched to a low carb canned food diet.
I feed Fancy Feast classic pates, Friskies pates ( not Mixed Grill), and some Special Kitty. These are much less expensive than the prescription diets at the vet and the great thing is they come in lots of different flavors to tempt your finicky kitty to eat. Better ingredients than the prescription food too. Some people also like the low cost option of Wellness cat food.
Vets often don't talk about testing. Maybe they are afraid the owners will want to euthanize the cat instead.
Relion Confirm or Micro at Wal-Mart are inexpensive meters and use a small 0.3 microliter blood drop.
We can provide a shopping list of supplies if you like.
I feed Fancy Feast classic pates, Friskies pates ( not Mixed Grill), and some Special Kitty. These are much less expensive than the prescription diets at the vet and the great thing is they come in lots of different flavors to tempt your finicky kitty to eat. Better ingredients than the prescription food too. Some people also like the low cost option of Wellness cat food.
Vets often don't talk about testing. Maybe they are afraid the owners will want to euthanize the cat instead.
Relion Confirm or Micro at Wal-Mart are inexpensive meters and use a small 0.3 microliter blood drop.
We can provide a shopping list of supplies if you like.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
What dose of lantus are you giving?
Also I would second what deb said about home testing.. It keeps your cat safe, gives you are a more accurate picture of your cats progress and saves money on vet visits. Many cats go into remission with a change to a low carb wet and so you can make sure you don't overdose insulin by home testing if this does happen.
Wendy
Also I would second what deb said about home testing.. It keeps your cat safe, gives you are a more accurate picture of your cats progress and saves money on vet visits. Many cats go into remission with a change to a low carb wet and so you can make sure you don't overdose insulin by home testing if this does happen.
Wendy
BJM
Member Since 2010
Onnce you are home testing, the following may be helpful:
Here are some glucose reference ranges used for decision making using glucometers. Human glucometer numbers are given first (mg/dL). Numbers in parentheses are for non-US meters (mmol/L). Numbers in curly braces are estimates for an AlphaTrak.
< 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) {< 70 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- Treat as if HYPO if on insulin
- At nadir (lowest point between shots) in a long term diabetic (more than a year), may earn a reduction.
< 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L) {< 80 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- If before nadir, steer with food, ie, give modest amounts of medium carb food to keep from going below 50 (2.8).
- At nadir, often indicates dose reduction is earned.
50 - 130 mg/dL (2.8 - 7.2 mmol/L) {80 - 160 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- On insulin - great control when following a tight regulation protocol.
- Off insulin - normal numbers. (May even go as low as the upper 30s (1.7 mmol/L){60s for an AlphaTrak}; if not on insulin, this can be safe.
> 150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) {> 180 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- At nadir, indicates a dose increase may be needed when following a tight regulation protocol.
200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) {230 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- no shot level for beginners; may slowly reduce to 150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) {180 mg/dL} for long-acting insulins (Lantus, Levemir, and ProZinc) as data collection shows it is safe
180 - 280 mg/dL (10 - 15.6 mmol/L) {may be 210 - 310 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- Any time - The renal threshold (depending on data source and cat's renal function) where glucose spills into the urine.
- Test for ketones, glucose is too high.
>= 280 mg/dL (15.6 mmol/L) {may be >=310 mf/dL for an AlphaTrak}, if for most of the cycle between shots
- Uncontrolled diabetes and thus at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis and hepatic lipidosis
- Follow your insulin protocol for dose adjustments
- Test for ketones; if more than a trace level of ketones, go to vet ASAP.
Here are some glucose reference ranges used for decision making using glucometers. Human glucometer numbers are given first (mg/dL). Numbers in parentheses are for non-US meters (mmol/L). Numbers in curly braces are estimates for an AlphaTrak.
< 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) {< 70 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- Treat as if HYPO if on insulin
- At nadir (lowest point between shots) in a long term diabetic (more than a year), may earn a reduction.
< 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L) {< 80 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- If before nadir, steer with food, ie, give modest amounts of medium carb food to keep from going below 50 (2.8).
- At nadir, often indicates dose reduction is earned.
50 - 130 mg/dL (2.8 - 7.2 mmol/L) {80 - 160 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- On insulin - great control when following a tight regulation protocol.
- Off insulin - normal numbers. (May even go as low as the upper 30s (1.7 mmol/L){60s for an AlphaTrak}; if not on insulin, this can be safe.
> 150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) {> 180 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- At nadir, indicates a dose increase may be needed when following a tight regulation protocol.
200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) {230 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- no shot level for beginners; may slowly reduce to 150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) {180 mg/dL} for long-acting insulins (Lantus, Levemir, and ProZinc) as data collection shows it is safe
180 - 280 mg/dL (10 - 15.6 mmol/L) {may be 210 - 310 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- Any time - The renal threshold (depending on data source and cat's renal function) where glucose spills into the urine.
- Test for ketones, glucose is too high.
>= 280 mg/dL (15.6 mmol/L) {may be >=310 mf/dL for an AlphaTrak}, if for most of the cycle between shots
- Uncontrolled diabetes and thus at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis and hepatic lipidosis
- Follow your insulin protocol for dose adjustments
- Test for ketones; if more than a trace level of ketones, go to vet ASAP.
They started him on 1ml then increased it to 2ml today because the test today was higher..They want him back tomorrow for another test.I ask the vet on the phone can i test at home she says oh yeah you can..Well geee thanks! Thanks for info on the food that help alot bought a bunch of the fancy feast( the other cats are happy too ).. Thanks for all the info so far have alot of digesting to do..
Dan
).. Thanks for all the info so far have alot of digesting to do..Dan
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
You can save a lot of money by testing at home...and when they are tested at the vets, they're stressed and their numbers go up, so it's not a true result.
I'd be very worried about how fast your vet is increasing. Lantus is a "depot" insulin and it takes 3-5 days to "fill" the depot. We suggest increases of only .25 unit and only after testing has shown they need it.
If you're switching to the low carb foods, I strongly urge you to go ahead and start home testing as soon as possible! You don't want to end up in an emergency situation because Taz went hypoglycemic! Hypo's can cause permanent brain damage, blindness and death, so they're not to be trifled with.
If you haven't already done it, you might also want to go ahead and get a Hypo kit ready, so if he does start to show signs, you can treat him immediately. A few minutes can mean the difference between a scary episode, and a deadly one.
You might want to print this out and have it just in case! How to handle a hypo
You should also get a hypo kit ready. Things you'll need are extra test strips, high carb food (like Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers...the gravy is High Carb), and honey, Karo or syrup.
I hope you'll go ahead and start testing at home. It's truly the only way you can keep Taz safe, as well as giving him his best possible chance of getting off the insulin completely.
We'll all be happy to help any way we can. Testing sounds difficult, but it really isn't, and most of our cats quickly learn where their "testing spot" is, and will come to it when called...and sometimes they even remind US it's time to test
I'd be very worried about how fast your vet is increasing. Lantus is a "depot" insulin and it takes 3-5 days to "fill" the depot. We suggest increases of only .25 unit and only after testing has shown they need it.
If you're switching to the low carb foods, I strongly urge you to go ahead and start home testing as soon as possible! You don't want to end up in an emergency situation because Taz went hypoglycemic! Hypo's can cause permanent brain damage, blindness and death, so they're not to be trifled with.
If you haven't already done it, you might also want to go ahead and get a Hypo kit ready, so if he does start to show signs, you can treat him immediately. A few minutes can mean the difference between a scary episode, and a deadly one.
You might want to print this out and have it just in case! How to handle a hypo
You should also get a hypo kit ready. Things you'll need are extra test strips, high carb food (like Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers...the gravy is High Carb), and honey, Karo or syrup.
I hope you'll go ahead and start testing at home. It's truly the only way you can keep Taz safe, as well as giving him his best possible chance of getting off the insulin completely.
We'll all be happy to help any way we can. Testing sounds difficult, but it really isn't, and most of our cats quickly learn where their "testing spot" is, and will come to it when called...and sometimes they even remind US it's time to test
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
Along the upper 3rd of his ear is the "sweet spot" ....you're looking for this:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/download/file.php?id=10324&mode=view
Here's some other good information on the Psychology of Ear Testing
https://sites.google.com/site/michelang ... psychology
I learned a lot of how I learned from watching videos on You Tube...Just Google "How do you test a diabetic cat"? Should bring up several videos for you to watch.
Before your first attempt,gather all the things you'll need...lancet, warm rice sock or pill bottle with warm water, cotton to swab and your lancet or lancet device ready , your meter and test strips, and put them where you can get them. Then take Taz to wherever you've chosen in your home to test...a counter, a certain pillow on the floor, cat bed, wherever is convenient for you both. Rub his ears and pet him. Have a sock with a little rice inside that you've microwaved to warm (test on your own forearm like you would a baby bottle for temperature). Most cats enjoy the heat, and it also brings blood into the ears to it makes it easier. The other thing that worked for me was to use a small pill bottle full of hot water....not too hot, and I'd press it against her ear for a minute and then poke. After each try, whether successful or not, give a yummy yummy treat. Getting them to realize they're going to get that yummy treat usually convinces them it might be work it....freeze dried chicken works for some, I boil chicken and then cut it up into bite size pieces for testing treats.
After 3 tries, leave it for now and try again later, but always treat the cat!! You can do this!! We all have and a lot of us thought it'd be impossible or our cats would hate us forever....instead, we've grown even closer to our sugarcats during this special time we have with them
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/download/file.php?id=10324&mode=view
Here's some other good information on the Psychology of Ear Testing
https://sites.google.com/site/michelang ... psychology
I learned a lot of how I learned from watching videos on You Tube...Just Google "How do you test a diabetic cat"? Should bring up several videos for you to watch.
Before your first attempt,gather all the things you'll need...lancet, warm rice sock or pill bottle with warm water, cotton to swab and your lancet or lancet device ready , your meter and test strips, and put them where you can get them. Then take Taz to wherever you've chosen in your home to test...a counter, a certain pillow on the floor, cat bed, wherever is convenient for you both. Rub his ears and pet him. Have a sock with a little rice inside that you've microwaved to warm (test on your own forearm like you would a baby bottle for temperature). Most cats enjoy the heat, and it also brings blood into the ears to it makes it easier. The other thing that worked for me was to use a small pill bottle full of hot water....not too hot, and I'd press it against her ear for a minute and then poke. After each try, whether successful or not, give a yummy yummy treat. Getting them to realize they're going to get that yummy treat usually convinces them it might be work it....freeze dried chicken works for some, I boil chicken and then cut it up into bite size pieces for testing treats.
After 3 tries, leave it for now and try again later, but always treat the cat!! You can do this!! We all have and a lot of us thought it'd be impossible or our cats would hate us forever....instead, we've grown even closer to our sugarcats during this special time we have with them
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
Congratulations!!! Welcome to the Vampire Club!!!
Next thing you're going to want to do is get your spreadsheet set up so you have an easy way to record your BG numbers, as well as instead of trying to explain to us every little thing, we'll be able to look at it too
Here's How to get a spreadsheet
you're a natural!!
Next thing you're going to want to do is get your spreadsheet set up so you have an easy way to record your BG numbers, as well as instead of trying to explain to us every little thing, we'll be able to look at it too
Here's How to get a spreadsheet
you're a natural!!
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
I assume you mean 1unit and not 1ml? 1ml is a full syringe !!!! - 1 unit is a very small amount in the syringe - the first or second mark on the syringe depending on whether your syringes have half unit markings or not.
What reading did you get?
Wendy
What reading did you get?
Wendy
donaleen and Ozy
Member Since 2013
Welcome, Dan. You will get great help and support here. Ozy was diagnosed in early July so I am still relatively new at this myself. Ozy isn't regulated yet but his health is already greatly improved. And I am much more comfortable with testing, shooting, handling low numbers.
The spread sheet is a really great tool and much better than the one I came up with myself. I gave the vet a link to the spread sheet so she can check on his numbers whenever she wants.
Sounds like you are off to a great start.
donaleen
The spread sheet is a really great tool and much better than the one I came up with myself. I gave the vet a link to the spread sheet so she can check on his numbers whenever she wants.
Sounds like you are off to a great start.
donaleen
Georgesmom
Member Since 2013
Welcome Dan! I too am new to this game.
My vet was really of no help and just kept asking me to come in for more curves (which meant more $), I have to credit the people here for all the great information and support.
I have found everyone here very helpful. I was able to start home testing and charting and it really has helped me get a handle on things with him.
I would suggest looking at a different food. The food charts are overwhelming at first, but I truly think taking the time to look into the food was a huge help for us. We were on the Hills MD (or DM, keep getting that mixed up) and George did not like it at all. Refused to eat it and kept losing weight and his blood sugar was still pretty high. He is doing so much better after we got him off the prescription food and on to Wellness Grain Free Canned.
If I can do, you can too! Good luck! :mrgreen:
My vet was really of no help and just kept asking me to come in for more curves (which meant more $), I have to credit the people here for all the great information and support.
I have found everyone here very helpful. I was able to start home testing and charting and it really has helped me get a handle on things with him.
I would suggest looking at a different food. The food charts are overwhelming at first, but I truly think taking the time to look into the food was a huge help for us. We were on the Hills MD (or DM, keep getting that mixed up) and George did not like it at all. Refused to eat it and kept losing weight and his blood sugar was still pretty high. He is doing so much better after we got him off the prescription food and on to Wellness Grain Free Canned.
If I can do, you can too! Good luck! :mrgreen:
Update... Sorry been busy getting ready for a trip with my wife.. Having to show my 20 year old step how to do the injection and glucose test..@wendy&tiggy thanks for the clarification on the syringes yes its 2units twice a day now.
Taz is doing well he was cringingly high at 437 when we 1st brought him in. Have him down to 230 as of this afternoon. He is doin better not drinking as much but still a bit weak but improving..Thanks for everyones help to get me going you guys are the best!!!
dan
Taz is doing well he was cringingly high at 437 when we 1st brought him in. Have him down to 230 as of this afternoon. He is doin better not drinking as much but still a bit weak but improving..Thanks for everyones help to get me going you guys are the best!!!
dan
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
hope your step son/daughter can continue to report back here so we can help hold his/her hand while you're gone!! Want to make sure Taz is either AS good or Better when you return!!
Will they be keeping your spreadsheet preparard? If so, that's the best way for us to help you (and them) keep Taz healthy while you're gone
Will they be keeping your spreadsheet preparard? If so, that's the best way for us to help you (and them) keep Taz healthy while you're gone
Back from trip Taz is doing well. His reading started to go below 100 so the vet said to lower dose to 1 unit twice day and test every 2 hours cuz she wanted a glucose curve for him. She wants a range of 100-200 for him.. He was pretty stable yesterday but spiked to 400 late in the day. My question is how much does food increase his blood sugar? Should i be giving him snacks through day instead one meal a day to keep him more stable?
thanks
thanks
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
Welcome back Dan and Taz!! Hope you had a great time on your trip!!
If you're feeding the low carb foods on the list, food shouldn't have a huge impact on the numbers, but yes, food can influence them. Lots of us give multiple meals throughout the day. You can add a little water to the food if you need to leave it out to keep it from drying out, use an automatic feeder, or if you're home, feed several smaller meals.
"Normal" ranges we consider controlled are 50-130. 200 isn't a "controlled" number, but we've seen vets telling a LOT of our members that 150-200 is fine...it really isn't, but it seems to be what they all say, probably because they don't know about or don't approve of home testing. We strongly advocate home testing so you can keep Taz safe as well as fine tuning the dose of insulin to get the best possible outcome.
The 400 you saw was probably a "bounce". Bouncing happens when the BG number drops lower than the liver is used to. It "panics" and releases hormones and glucogen to quickly bring the glucose back to where it's "used to". It's entirely possible Taz dropped even lower during one of the other cycles and now you're getting the "bounce". Bounces can take up to 72 hours to clear.
If Taz is dropping below 100, he may be dropping below 50..and that can be dangerous. Even 1 unit MAY be too much. Without you home testing and knowing his numbers throughout multiple cycles, there's no way to know. We also do reductions and increases in .25 units...never whole units.
If you're able to home test to do the curve, it'd be great if you could also set up a spreadsheet and keep it updated. We can help you with dosing once you have that done. FDMB Spreadsheet instructions
If you have already been home testing, it'd be great if you could go ahead and either set up the spreadsheet and put the numbers in you've been getting, or if you can even just post them here we may be able to help you more on the dosing.
If you're feeding the low carb foods on the list, food shouldn't have a huge impact on the numbers, but yes, food can influence them. Lots of us give multiple meals throughout the day. You can add a little water to the food if you need to leave it out to keep it from drying out, use an automatic feeder, or if you're home, feed several smaller meals.
"Normal" ranges we consider controlled are 50-130. 200 isn't a "controlled" number, but we've seen vets telling a LOT of our members that 150-200 is fine...it really isn't, but it seems to be what they all say, probably because they don't know about or don't approve of home testing. We strongly advocate home testing so you can keep Taz safe as well as fine tuning the dose of insulin to get the best possible outcome.
The 400 you saw was probably a "bounce". Bouncing happens when the BG number drops lower than the liver is used to. It "panics" and releases hormones and glucogen to quickly bring the glucose back to where it's "used to". It's entirely possible Taz dropped even lower during one of the other cycles and now you're getting the "bounce". Bounces can take up to 72 hours to clear.
If Taz is dropping below 100, he may be dropping below 50..and that can be dangerous. Even 1 unit MAY be too much. Without you home testing and knowing his numbers throughout multiple cycles, there's no way to know. We also do reductions and increases in .25 units...never whole units.
If you're able to home test to do the curve, it'd be great if you could also set up a spreadsheet and keep it updated. We can help you with dosing once you have that done. FDMB Spreadsheet instructions
If you have already been home testing, it'd be great if you could go ahead and either set up the spreadsheet and put the numbers in you've been getting, or if you can even just post them here we may be able to help you more on the dosing.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Can you do the spreadsheet like Chris said? I am also wondering if there is bouncing going on or something... Since you are doing a curve anyway its a good way to track results and we can advise more if you share the sheet with us.
Bounces - what are they and is my cat doing them?
When a cat isnt regulated, the blood glucose has probably been high for a while. As the insulin starts to take effect and numbers start to come down, the liver has to learn to adjust to the lower numbers. We call this "liver training school". But before it relearns that low numbers are ok, when the BG drops to a number lower than the liver is accustomed, or if BGs drop low, or if the BG drops suddenly, the liver”panics” and reacts by releasing counterregulatory hormones and glucagon. This drives the BG back up. This is what we call a "bounce". Bounces can take up to 72 hours to clear so we are generally careful about increasing doses during the bounce. Once the bounce clears, then you can see the "real" numbers and determine if the dose needs to go up or down.
Wendy
Bounces - what are they and is my cat doing them?
When a cat isnt regulated, the blood glucose has probably been high for a while. As the insulin starts to take effect and numbers start to come down, the liver has to learn to adjust to the lower numbers. We call this "liver training school". But before it relearns that low numbers are ok, when the BG drops to a number lower than the liver is accustomed, or if BGs drop low, or if the BG drops suddenly, the liver”panics” and reacts by releasing counterregulatory hormones and glucagon. This drives the BG back up. This is what we call a "bounce". Bounces can take up to 72 hours to clear so we are generally careful about increasing doses during the bounce. Once the bounce clears, then you can see the "real" numbers and determine if the dose needs to go up or down.
Wendy
Thanks for all that info the "bouncing" info helped me understand it all better. I am tracking him on my own excel sheet. I tried the one you guys sent me but i couldn't wrap my head around it. I started tracking sauturday. Saturday morning is when the vet said to lower the dosage to 1u..When would you like me to post his numbers?
dan
dan
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
I hate to be pushy but ours would be easier and help us be better able to help you. How about I ask someone to set it up for you and then we can just have you update it? Once its set up we can explain the terminology.. What do you think?
BJM
Member Since 2010
Each row is 1 day.DanR said:
It reads left to right.
You enter the date.
You enter the morning pre-shot test (AMPS).
You enter the units given (U) in the morning.
You enter the evening pre-shot (PMPS).
You enter the units given (U) in the evening.
If there are any notes you want to make, you jot them down (ex stressors, food changes, meter changes, signs of illness, etc).
If you do any tests between the 2 shots, you enter them in the column which reflects the numbers since the shot.
A test 2 hours after the shot goes in the +2 column.
A test 5 hours after the shot goes in the +5 column.
A test 6 hours after the shot goes in the +6 column; the nadir, or lowest glucose level, may be around this time.
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
Excellent Dan!!
This will make it easier for us to help you with Taz!!
Did you not give any insulin this morning? You have the 502 AMPS reading, but nothing in the Units column
This will make it easier for us to help you with Taz!!
Did you not give any insulin this morning? You have the 502 AMPS reading, but nothing in the Units column
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
I can see it!
Looks like there is a lot of bouncing going on here. and given he hits a red when he goes green ( ie aug 8th he went to a green 80 and then bounced to a PMPS of 411) I wonder how low he went last night that he went black this morning. On the 8th he went from 80 to 498 in two hours so he bounced fast.
Do you think you can get a spot check later in the PM cycle?
Wendy
PS also are you testing for ketones?
Looks like there is a lot of bouncing going on here. and given he hits a red when he goes green ( ie aug 8th he went to a green 80 and then bounced to a PMPS of 411) I wonder how low he went last night that he went black this morning. On the 8th he went from 80 to 498 in two hours so he bounced fast.
Do you think you can get a spot check later in the PM cycle?
Wendy
PS also are you testing for ketones?
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
Ketones are generally checked with urine strips that are designed to test for them. (there are some meters that also can test blood for ketones)
Ketostix are available over the counter at pretty much any pharmacy (WalMart about $8)
Anything over a trace is an emergency and calls for a vet check
Ketones and Ketoacidosis
urine catching tips
Ketostix are available over the counter at pretty much any pharmacy (WalMart about $8)
Anything over a trace is an emergency and calls for a vet check
Ketones and Ketoacidosis
urine catching tips
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Great job on getting that SS up and running and in your signature.
Would you be willing to add some more data to your signature to help us out?
Your first name, cat's name age and sex, meter used for testing, insulin used, food fed, any complicating medical issues with your cat like CKD or pancreatitis. It sure would help us to help you better.
Would you be willing to add some more data to your signature to help us out?
Your first name, cat's name age and sex, meter used for testing, insulin used, food fed, any complicating medical issues with your cat like CKD or pancreatitis. It sure would help us to help you better.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Wow are those eyes blue green! What a handsome boy!
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Way to go Taz!
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
That would be good if he wasnt so high. You might want to read the protocol as it might be time for a dose increase to 1.25 tomorrow http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1581
excerpt:
Wendy
excerpt:
Wendy
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
The protocol is based on the nadir. If you dont see a blue or green nadir by end of today, then thats 3 days of yellow nadirs so I would increase 0.25 units. Does that make sense? Read the protocol for more info though.
Wendy
Wendy
BJM
Member Since 2010
I think you're ready for these; note the <40 mg/dL treat as hypo link and print that out too.
Here are some glucose reference ranges used for decision making using glucometers. Human glucometer numbers are given first. Numbers in parentheses are for non-US meters. Numbers in curly braces are estimates for an AlphaTrak.
< 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) {< 70 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- Treat as if HYPO if on insulin
- At nadir (lowest point between shots) in a long term diabetic (more than a year), may earn a reduction.
< 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L) {< 80 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- If before nadir, steer with food, ie, give modest amounts of medium carb food to keep from going below 50 (2.8).
- At nadir, often indicates dose reduction is earned.
50 - 130 mg/dL (2.8 - 7.2 mmol/L) {80 - 160 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- On insulin - great control when following a tight regulation protocol.
- Off insulin - normal numbers. (May even go as low as the upper 30s (1.7 mmol/L){60s for an AlphaTrak}; if not on insulin, this can be safe.
> 150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) {> 180 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- At nadir, indicates a dose increase may be needed when following a tight regulation protocol.
200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) {230 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- no shot level for beginners; may slowly reduce to 150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) {180 mg/dL} for long-acting insulins (Lantus, Levemir, and ProZinc) as data collection shows it is safe
180 - 280 mg/dL (10 - 15.6 mmol/L) {may be 210 - 310 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- Any time - The renal threshold (depending on data source and cat's renal function) where glucose spills into the urine.
- Test for ketones, glucose is too high.
>= 280 mg/dL (15.6 mmol/L) {may be >=310 mf/dL for an AlphaTrak}, if for most of the cycle between shots
- Uncontrolled diabetes and thus at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis and hepatic lipidosis
- Follow your insulin protocol for dose adjustments
- Test for ketones; if more than a trace level of ketones, go to vet ASAP.
Here are some glucose reference ranges used for decision making using glucometers. Human glucometer numbers are given first. Numbers in parentheses are for non-US meters. Numbers in curly braces are estimates for an AlphaTrak.
< 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) {< 70 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- Treat as if HYPO if on insulin
- At nadir (lowest point between shots) in a long term diabetic (more than a year), may earn a reduction.
< 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L) {< 80 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- If before nadir, steer with food, ie, give modest amounts of medium carb food to keep from going below 50 (2.8).
- At nadir, often indicates dose reduction is earned.
50 - 130 mg/dL (2.8 - 7.2 mmol/L) {80 - 160 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- On insulin - great control when following a tight regulation protocol.
- Off insulin - normal numbers. (May even go as low as the upper 30s (1.7 mmol/L){60s for an AlphaTrak}; if not on insulin, this can be safe.
> 150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) {> 180 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- At nadir, indicates a dose increase may be needed when following a tight regulation protocol.
200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) {230 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- no shot level for beginners; may slowly reduce to 150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) {180 mg/dL} for long-acting insulins (Lantus, Levemir, and ProZinc) as data collection shows it is safe
180 - 280 mg/dL (10 - 15.6 mmol/L) {may be 210 - 310 mg/dL for an AlphaTrak}
- Any time - The renal threshold (depending on data source and cat's renal function) where glucose spills into the urine.
- Test for ketones, glucose is too high.
>= 280 mg/dL (15.6 mmol/L) {may be >=310 mf/dL for an AlphaTrak}, if for most of the cycle between shots
- Uncontrolled diabetes and thus at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis and hepatic lipidosis
- Follow your insulin protocol for dose adjustments
- Test for ketones; if more than a trace level of ketones, go to vet ASAP.
KPassa
Member Since 2012
Don't be too surprised if you see a higher number tonight (most likely over 400). It seems whenever Taz drops below 200, he starts his bouncing. I agree with Wendy that he hasn't dipped low enough on the 1u yet that the 1.25u might be a good bet for tonight. It can take a while for the bouncing to stop, sometimes months, so don't get too discouraged. It even still happens with my Michelangelo. ;-)
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Good job on the dose increase! nice to see another green too!
I am thinking now you might want to post on the lantus board.That board has lots of very experienced dosing members on it and is a great sense of community.Since you are now up to speed with testing etc I think they will really be able to advise you better on dosing etc. I post there myself every day or two to get their eyes on my cats.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewforum.php?f=9
Here’s how to post:
Every day ( or as often as you can) you open a new thread/post. We call them "condos" (short for condition report, or the home you live in and the cat trees some people have)
Subject line: The subject has the date/cats name and BG readings ie 09/19 Taz AMPS 410 +3 240 + 6 88. You add a ? icon if you have a question. You should update your subject line in the very first post for the day as you get a reading, or whenever you have a question. For your first post put "newbie" also in your subject so everyone can welcome you!
Contents: The contents of your post have a quick update on how your cat is feeling as regards the 5Ps ( peeing. pooing, preening, playing and purring) and any questions and a link to your previous post ie : Today Taz was in a good mood, playing and eating well. But he is peeing a lot and his BG is really high. Should I increase the dose?
There is no rush to post there. I like to suggest that people go over to their insulin specific support group and check it out. Read the Stickies at the top of the Topics section. Read a few condos posted by other members. Get a feel for how the forum works. See if you think it would be a good fit for you.
But you are always welcome to post here in the Feline Health forum for as long as you want.
Wendy
I am thinking now you might want to post on the lantus board.That board has lots of very experienced dosing members on it and is a great sense of community.Since you are now up to speed with testing etc I think they will really be able to advise you better on dosing etc. I post there myself every day or two to get their eyes on my cats.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewforum.php?f=9
Here’s how to post:
Every day ( or as often as you can) you open a new thread/post. We call them "condos" (short for condition report, or the home you live in and the cat trees some people have)
Subject line: The subject has the date/cats name and BG readings ie 09/19 Taz AMPS 410 +3 240 + 6 88. You add a ? icon if you have a question. You should update your subject line in the very first post for the day as you get a reading, or whenever you have a question. For your first post put "newbie" also in your subject so everyone can welcome you!
Contents: The contents of your post have a quick update on how your cat is feeling as regards the 5Ps ( peeing. pooing, preening, playing and purring) and any questions and a link to your previous post ie : Today Taz was in a good mood, playing and eating well. But he is peeing a lot and his BG is really high. Should I increase the dose?
There is no rush to post there. I like to suggest that people go over to their insulin specific support group and check it out. Read the Stickies at the top of the Topics section. Read a few condos posted by other members. Get a feel for how the forum works. See if you think it would be a good fit for you.
But you are always welcome to post here in the Feline Health forum for as long as you want.
Wendy
Thanks Wendy! Yeah seeing the big bounce now with the higher dose..Taz seems to be doing ok. Always hungry not peeing as much or drinking as much poopin i think so but hard to tell with 3 other cats..Purring yes preening yes.. His hind legs are still a bit weak though he got pretty thin when we brought him in..Maybe another vet visit is in hand? Also not sure how much i should be feeding him. I'll starting looking at the other forum this weekend..
dan
dan
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