Mr. Biggs & J
Member Since 2018
Hello everyone, Jennifer here.
I'm pretty new to this forum [started Friday] and I've already posted an introduction here [http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-and-at-wits-end.195778/] and have gotten multiple and wonderful responses.
Now I'm posting in here because of the encouragement of others so.. here goes. I apologize if this is super lengthy. I will try and break things up so they're easier to read.
The basics:
- Biggs, approximately 8 years old.
- Diagnosed 10/2017.
- Underweight at 11.75 lbs.
- Is currently at 9 units of Lantus/Glargine as of 05/19/2018.
- Was told he had a "gallop" rhythm heartbeat and that he's losing muscle mass on his hind legs/thighs on 05/19/2018.
- Doesn't have much energy/seems lethargic most the time now, doesn't even meow that much when it comes to feeding [used to be a siren].
The details:
- Biggs was diagnosed back in 10/2017 and was immediately put on Lantus/Glargine. I first had him on the Friskies Classic Pate but with the ever increasing dosage and Friskies having changed their formula [I didn't know exactly what the carb count was anymore] I ended up switching him a few times to different foods before landing on the Fancy Feast a couple months ago [https://www.fancyfeast.com/gourmet-...tes/classic-pate/poultry-beef-variety-pack-30].
- I finally got a hold of Friskies and they ended up mailing me their nutritional info and it turns out their formula would be fine.. PLUS Biggs has liked that a LOT more- it takes him a while to eat the FF whereas he almost wolfed down the Friskies. So I'm going to be switching him back in a few days because he needs to eat.
- On Saturday, 5/19 I picked up the ReliOn Confirm and called them to get the control solution. They said about 7-14 business days.. which tells me I can't start home testing him until I get that.
- I've made a spreadsheet [in my signature] and have enabled comments to be left. I have a basic understanding of it which is nice.
---
I'm currently attempting to understand various things. To be completely honest I was never really able to wrap my head around things without someone helping and talking to me at the same time.
I'm trying to understand the different protocols for Lantus.. and I think I see that the SLGS would be best. So to help my poor brain out I'm trying to just not pay attention to the TR.
Human Glucometer Reference Numbers and Notes [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rt6BJ0BGgwx8eivIOoXM7NeHApMwzIw1W_BE-GOgj9o/edit]. I'm hoping I understand some of this. Basically the whole overall aspect is very low numbers = need sugar/carbs. Very high numbers = insulin. The mg/dL is what my meter will show me and I can proceed from there. [Also read as in referenced by the sticky on "How to Treat HYPOS"].
So I suppose my main questions are.. he's at 9 units.. what do I do about this? Do I suddenly drop him all the way back down and go from there?
For the SLGS I see "1u BID".. what does "BID" stand for?
How exactly, in the simplest terms, do I perform a "curve"? My understanding, which I don't trust, is that it's essentially taking readings every 2 or so hours for a set amount of time and then... seeing about adjusting the dosage on that?
I have ordered the Zobaline (for Diabetic Cats) for his losing muscle mass on his hind quarters. It says serving size as 1 tablet.. do I just give that to him all at once? Or should I crush it and break it up into his two meals? [I also read that I can just mix it into his wet food.]
---
People may not want to come across as rude but honestly, try explaining things to me as though I'm 10 or have a learning disability [which in all honestly I probably do]. I promise I won't be offended. YOU are helping ME. I can only say thank you.
If I have missed anything or if people have ANY questions about anything, please feel free to drop them on this thread. I will get back to them ASAP.
I'm pretty new to this forum [started Friday] and I've already posted an introduction here [http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-and-at-wits-end.195778/] and have gotten multiple and wonderful responses.
Now I'm posting in here because of the encouragement of others so.. here goes. I apologize if this is super lengthy. I will try and break things up so they're easier to read.
The basics:
- Biggs, approximately 8 years old.
- Diagnosed 10/2017.
- Underweight at 11.75 lbs.
- Is currently at 9 units of Lantus/Glargine as of 05/19/2018.
- Was told he had a "gallop" rhythm heartbeat and that he's losing muscle mass on his hind legs/thighs on 05/19/2018.
- Doesn't have much energy/seems lethargic most the time now, doesn't even meow that much when it comes to feeding [used to be a siren].
The details:
- Biggs was diagnosed back in 10/2017 and was immediately put on Lantus/Glargine. I first had him on the Friskies Classic Pate but with the ever increasing dosage and Friskies having changed their formula [I didn't know exactly what the carb count was anymore] I ended up switching him a few times to different foods before landing on the Fancy Feast a couple months ago [https://www.fancyfeast.com/gourmet-...tes/classic-pate/poultry-beef-variety-pack-30].
- I finally got a hold of Friskies and they ended up mailing me their nutritional info and it turns out their formula would be fine.. PLUS Biggs has liked that a LOT more- it takes him a while to eat the FF whereas he almost wolfed down the Friskies. So I'm going to be switching him back in a few days because he needs to eat.
- On Saturday, 5/19 I picked up the ReliOn Confirm and called them to get the control solution. They said about 7-14 business days.. which tells me I can't start home testing him until I get that.
- I've made a spreadsheet [in my signature] and have enabled comments to be left. I have a basic understanding of it which is nice.
---
I'm currently attempting to understand various things. To be completely honest I was never really able to wrap my head around things without someone helping and talking to me at the same time.
I'm trying to understand the different protocols for Lantus.. and I think I see that the SLGS would be best. So to help my poor brain out I'm trying to just not pay attention to the TR.
Human Glucometer Reference Numbers and Notes [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rt6BJ0BGgwx8eivIOoXM7NeHApMwzIw1W_BE-GOgj9o/edit]. I'm hoping I understand some of this. Basically the whole overall aspect is very low numbers = need sugar/carbs. Very high numbers = insulin. The mg/dL is what my meter will show me and I can proceed from there. [Also read as in referenced by the sticky on "How to Treat HYPOS"].
So I suppose my main questions are.. he's at 9 units.. what do I do about this? Do I suddenly drop him all the way back down and go from there?
For the SLGS I see "1u BID".. what does "BID" stand for?
How exactly, in the simplest terms, do I perform a "curve"? My understanding, which I don't trust, is that it's essentially taking readings every 2 or so hours for a set amount of time and then... seeing about adjusting the dosage on that?
I have ordered the Zobaline (for Diabetic Cats) for his losing muscle mass on his hind quarters. It says serving size as 1 tablet.. do I just give that to him all at once? Or should I crush it and break it up into his two meals? [I also read that I can just mix it into his wet food.]
---
People may not want to come across as rude but honestly, try explaining things to me as though I'm 10 or have a learning disability [which in all honestly I probably do]. I promise I won't be offended. YOU are helping ME. I can only say thank you.
If I have missed anything or if people have ANY questions about anything, please feel free to drop them on this thread. I will get back to them ASAP.
I am new to this by a few months, and my Shmee is on Lantus as well. There are so many experienced people on here that will be willing to help you. I will be looking for you in the Lantus forum 
PS - Love the name Mr. Biggs! Cute.