Newbie Patty and Blue from Georgia

Blue was diagnosed last week and it has been a roller coaster. After 3 days I realized I had to test or I would no longer get any sleep. His starting BG when diagnosed was 575 and we started on Lantus 2 units twice a day. Since that time, we have had to change to once a day but are now back to twice a day. He got down to 350 but then went to 418 and 546 and this morning it just says High. I will take him back to the vet on Wednesday morning and they are going to check him throughout the day. He is 15 years old and weight is 7 pounds. I found this site from a FB friend. I am still working on food issues but have a multi-cat household so am still trying to figure it all out.
I just wanted to introduce Blue and I'm sure I will be needing help. I called my vet this morning after the "high" reading. Didn't sound good so that is why he's going in for the day on Wednesday.
Thanks for being here for us.

 

Welcome to our forum!
Uhhhmmm to put this politely... On this forum? GA means Gone Ahead or Guardian Angel. You may want to edit that part of your thread title.

We are glad you found us! We are a community of kitty cat lovers that share a common thread that is DIABETES. We strive to help any and all learn to navigate this disease.
You may want to start here:
New? How You Can Help Us Help You!

We also will ask of you to set up a spread sheet to track Blues progress. The signature will appear at the bottom of each of your posts and will include all kinds of pertinent information about Blue you can find out how to do all that here:
Suggestions, Tech Support & Testing Area


Again WELCOME TO FDMB The best site on this planet to learn everything you need to know about feline diabetes!
jeanne

 

I don't think it allows me to edit my title. At least it didn't give me that option. Anyway I'm in Georgia

 

LOL Many make that mistake...at the bottom of each post to the left there are three options:
Edit, Delete, Report.
Just click the edit option then you can edite your title

 

Now I'm having trouble with the spreadsheet. It's grayed out on my google docs. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

 

Nooo? But I know someone that does
@Chris & China (GA)

Hold on Chris is a rock star when it comes to these things!

 

Also, is there a guide as to how to fill the information into the spreadsheet. I don't even know the terminology.

 

Ask and you shall receive:

Understanding the Spreadsheet Grid

Welcome to you both. Really glad you found us, Patty.


Mogs
.

 

Also here's something to help you with the lingo:

FDMB Glossary

(You can always find the link in the Feline Health FAQs section, along with oodles of other useful stuff.)


Mogs
.

 

Ahhh thanks Mogs!

 

Hi and welcome to FDMB. Blue is gorgeous. Glad to see you have decided to start home testing. That is the best way to manage his glucose levels.

To make it easier on you and Blue, if you can get all of your cats on the same diet, that will help to keep Blue from sneaking food from the others. Plus the added benefit, it reduces the chances of any of your other cats from developing FD. We realize it may not be easy since some cats are dry food addicts, but we can share with you tricks that helped us when we were switching our cats over to canned foods. Not sure if cost will be an issue, but if so, Fancy Feast and Friskies pate canned foods may be an option. You want to try to avoid canned foods with gravy such as fillets, bits, shreds since they are high in carbs.

You probably have lots of questions. Please don't be afraid to ask. The purpose of this board is to help you learn how to give the best care to Blue and your other kitties. All of us have had at least one diabetic cat and you have a lot of great experienced people here to help you.

 

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/dr-pierson-new-food-chart.174147/

Here is the food chart most of us feed Fancy Feast Classics
You will see they are low in carbs

 

Thank you. That's his baby picture.

It will be hard to get everyone on the same food but I'll look into it. Blue's birth sister is healthy but has constipation. I have another that is on diet food because she's overweight and another with chronic diarrhea. All seniors. Good times.

 

If you could set up you signature that would be great

• On the left, under Settings, Click on Signature. This is where you will put information that helps us give you feedback.
  • There is a limit of two lines which may include two links; you may separate pieces with commas, dashes, | etc. This is where you paste the link for your spreadsheet, once it is set up.
  • Add any other text, such as
  • Caregiver & kitty's name (optional)
  • DX: Date
  • Name of Insulin
  • Name of your meter
  • Diet: "LC wet" or "dry food" or "combo"
  • Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
  • DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
  • Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)
  • Spreadsheet link. Please put the signature link on the bottom line of your signature information, on its own, so it is easy to find.
  • Please do not put any information about your location in the signature for security reasons. If you wish to add your country location, please add it to your profile.

Be sure to click the 'Save Changes' button at the bottom. If you need help urgently it is important we know these things at a glance. We don’t want to waste valuable time finding out information.


You will see that the signature is in gray at the bottom of each members posts

 

Hmmm... I can see it, is it just that you can't edit? Are you getting into it from your own Google Drive (not the read-only link in your signature)?

Blue is gorgeous, by the way!!!!

 

I think I just got it. Do you see it? I don't usually work with a PC but it has a larger screen than my ipad and iphone. I thought paste was control P but I guess it's control V.

Thank you. He's a doll baby!

 

Yup, your link works, I can see it!

 

@Nan & Amber (GA) Are you a lantus "helper" Looks like we have work to do with Blue.
@Critter Mom
@tiffmaxee
can one of you lovely ladies help Rex2u with dosing? I know theres not much to go on but...
j

 

Hi and welcome. I just came home.let me take a look at the ss and read the condo. Well first thing I see is a 7 pound cat should never be started on 2 units of Lantus. Most start on no more than 1.0. If you are feeding any dry food the starting dose would be .50. Lantus is dosed not by the preshot reading but rather by how low it takes a cat so mid cycle tests are a must. It likes consistency so they need the same dose every cycle. It’s a depot drug which means it builds up over time so it takes days to see what a dose will do.

How is testing going? Your vet wants to do a 12 hour curve testing every 2 hours. Most cats are higher at the vet’s office due to stress so if you can do it at home it will be more accurate.

You said you are having trouble with the spreadsheet. Does that mean you have more tests?

I’m going to stop until I get some answers.

 

Thanks Tiffmaxee Theres not a lot to go by

 

It "looks" like you may have trouble testing. Is this the case Rex2u? Would you mind sharing your name? Its ok If you's rather not. Just askin.

 

If you are having trouble we can help and you likely need to drop him at the vet but I’m concerned he’s starting on too high a dose. . If your vet said just get two tests a day we can help with that too. I just need to know. Who gave you the dosing advice?

 

Oh there I go assuming again. I just assumed she meant the Vet told her this.

 

Maybe the vet did but it’s way too high. If you come back on I really urge you not to give more than half a unit or even hold it. If your vet did advise I’m worried about leaving your cat with him/her because I am positive 2 units is cray high. Many vets unfortunately don’t know how to dose Lantus. I worry your cat might go hypo and that can be deadly.

 

I am starting from scratch here on knowledge. The lowest his BG has been is 350 from the day he was at the vet after a rough night. We changed to 1 unit but his BG just kept going up. I have not tested him other than after a meal and before his shot every 12 hours. As you see, he registered "high" this morning and I then gave him 2 units. I am getting ready to do another test. I am haven't trouble due to him not bleeding enough. I have rubbed his ears and still not enough to run the test. The lancets I bought might be the problem so I can purchase another type. I have Blue scheduled at the vet on Wednesday. I'm not sure Blue or myself are ready for every two hours. Bless his heart, he's been pretty patient with me but I think he's getting over it.
I have been feeding him FF classic pate and American Journey I think is the name, from Chewy. I am waiting on another dry food that was suggested but can't remember off hand what it was. It was suggested as a low carb. Blue has never been much of a big eater but recently he's hungry all the time. I'm juggling several senior cats with their own issues so it's getting interesting to get and feed everyone the correct food.

Thanks for your offer to help...I'm very worried and have had little sleep since last week when he was diagnosed.

 

I was told by the vet to give two units every 12 hours when he was diagnosed a week ago today. He had an "episode" where he wasn't moving and it scared me so I didn't give him a shot. I took him to the vet the next day and they tested all day and got it to 350 but that was with the 2 units.

 

How Beautiful is Blue ..... we have to work on what he is eating it can really be a factor in getting his BG under control . My cat was an Oriental shorthair she ate dry food all of her life till I learned better . I thought it would be good for her teeth ahhhhh .
Jt can tell you how changing to wet food low carbohydrate can change BG levels .
I know with multiple cats it will be work but I have no doubt you can do this .
Welcome you and Blue ask as many questions you can think of

 

Stop what? Testing or giving insulin?

 

Thank you. He's a dreamboat and has always followed me everywhere. He's has always loved Meow Mix because of the gravy. He never really ate much of the food. He would graze on dry food but loved that gravy. I haven't given him any since last week. He's been eating the FF classic which I was already buying. I think it's the dry food I might have a problem with since I have a multi-cat household of seniors.

 

I'm sorry but did I say that somewhere? If so, i have no idea...

 

Ooooh ok It does sound like Blue had a close call hypo event. sigh
I HOPE you arent giving up testing it is the only way to make sure Blue stays safe. Also dry food is packed with carbs. If you remove the dry his numbers are sure to drop and might be dangerously low. If he hasnt been eating dry try not to reintroduce it. You need to get the testing down pat first.
We'll get this sorted.

 

we werent sure what you meant by this

 

lol sorry that was tiff. smh

 

Patty is my name and Blue is my cat. I was going to change the name on my profile but I don't think it allows it.

 

This will all get sorted . Just know there are caring people here eager to help. I have to start dinner so I will see everyone tomorrow. Sorry if I added to the confusion.

 

Hi Patty my name is jeanne Nice to meet you!

 

I am going to feed Blue and then test him but I'll be back to let you know where his BG level is. I'm supposed to give 2 units after.

 

I will try and check it out . right now hubby wants dinner.

 

Lol I understand when I was transitioning my Cat from dry to wet I must have gone threw every brand out there till I found something she would eat Of courseeeeee she liked the most Expensive oh that cat lol. I know the forum talks about 2 dry foods that are a little better but still not Great I never used them so I have to ask the names from the other member

 

@jt and trouble (GA) Jeanne what is the name of the 2 dry foods that are not that bad . To help Blue transition

 

The dry food is Dr. Elsey's clean protein Chicken Formula grain-free dry but I just realized it's not on my current order. It's on another that won't come until the end of the month. Yakkkkk I can't believe I did that. I guess I need to go get something because the dry I am feeding are good foods but probably not for Blue. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

Young Again and Dr Elsey's?Not sure of that spelling sorry

 

Cool youre already using it. Just remember not to remove it all at once...should you go that way!
gtg

 

Please don’t give 2 units. He had a symptomatic hypo on that dose. I would not give more than .50.

 

Hi reading still says HI with no number.

 

He might be bouncing from dropping too low and likely is.

 

Thanks Jeanne !

 

I don't think it has been low yet. 350 at the vet in the afternoon last week. I did just feed him.

 

I'm not sure what to do. Doesn't more bring it down?

 

The problem is when a dose brings a cat too low their body reacts and then then BG goes really high. I. Sorry to say this but that reaction your cat had could have been deadly.

 

The way Lantus works is it starts working at 2-3 hours after you give it. The bg keeps going down until usually 5-9 hours after the shot. Then it starts to wear off and it goes back up. I am giving a very simple version and there’s lots more to it. You need to test 3 hours after. If tgat numbers is a lot lower than the preshot you need to keep testing and you need high carb food or honey or karo in case your cat drops under 50. I guarantee you that your cat has done that on 2 units. My cat was 14-15 pounds and he started on 1 unit.

 

I'm lost with the correct thing to do. I'm not sure he was hypo or not. He had the same reaction the next night. If he's High doesn't that mean he should get insulin to bring it down? It's such a tiny amount. I guess I really don't have a clue what I should do. I was not testing when this happened and that's when I realized I had to start.

 

It’s a tiny amount but your cat is tiny. Tell you what. I’m going to send a link to a sticky with a method you should follow here and it says the starting dose is 1/2 a unit. You are giving 4 times that. . Be right back with the link.

you need to read about Start Low Go Slow.

 

Here .
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

 

You have to build up to more insulin. If kitty requires that much, you'll get there eventually. don't wanna start off too high and have terrible consequences. Start slow. Kitty already had symptoms of hypo on this dose. i wouldn't give the same dose. And kitty can become more sensitive to insulin after a "hypo" event. 2 units is the "golde" standard starting dose that most vets recommend that aren't familiar with Lantus. Not trying to Vet bash...just sayin

 

Let me make sure we're talking apples to apples. I'm using a 3/10cc fpr u-100 Insulin. I fill to the second small line. Is this correct?

 

I do think I'm impatient. I want the number down fast. It scares me for him.

 

Better a week too high than a day too low. That changes a bit if he was DKA. FD is for most a marathon and not a dance. Did you read that link I sent you ?

 

It'll be ok. We all want instant results. Lantus doesn't work like that unfortunately. But, with some patience, consistency, testing, appropriate diet and a lil peer support from the board, you can have results that look like our kitties. Take a peek at some of our SSs

 

Yes. You should have started on 1/4 that dose and held it for a week. By then you will see how low that dose takes him. Then you do a 12 hour curve and the dose for the next week is determined.

 

By all means look but don’t get from by those of us who are testaholics.

 

Yeah don't think you have to test like us. Data driven crazy folks if you will Just wanted you see the results of patience

 

And if you feed some dry and follow SLGS you don’t test close to what we did.

 

Yes. I just read it but not sure I understand everything. I am an hour late with his insulin. Is .50 or 1 unit the dose i should use tonight? What about tomorrow morning? Should I test at certain times? I've only tested after he eats which I know will be higher.
I'm sorry to be so clueless. Now I'm wondering how to tell my vet what I'm doing. She didn't even suggest testing. Yikes.

 

You test before you shoot to make sure he’s not too low to shoot. Then you feed a meal to make sure he will eat. The your shoot. All within about 10 minutes. Are you home to test again 2-3 hours later?

 

We all are in the beginning. It's OK!!! There's a TON of info on this website. Take it slow ask questions. tiffmaxee will be back to suggest your dose

 

I’m not sure where you are. I would not shoot more than 1.0 but only if you can monitor and post here the results. Otherwise .50 which should have been the starting dose according to SLGS.

 

Yes, I'm home...I have a large house and my mom came to live with me about 5 years ago. She is 95. She has an apt. that I converted.
My daughter has MS and I care for her too, and she came to stay about 6 months after my mom. It's a full house.
With the virus, I can't take a lot of chances otherwise I could give it to my mom or daughter.
I can test when I need too but Blue might not be excited with the schedule.
So, I should test and then feed and then give the insulin? Was I testing in the wrong order?

 

I gave a little less than the one unit. It looked like hardly anything in the syringe. Is that correct?
Do I need to test again tonight?

 

I’m glad that you will be home. When was your last test?

 

This is where I saw it

 

Test. Feed. Then shoot. You will need to wait 12 hours until the next shot. Sounds like that will be okay. Will you post your result in 2-3 hours? Since you were giving 1 and 2 think you can give 1.0. That’s it. It doesn’t look like much but it’s potent stuff. Good job. Will you test again in 2 or 3 hours? I’ll come back to check on you.

 

I was writing I was stopping my questions until she responded.

 

Welcome Patty and Blue - My Tina's brother looked so much like Blue when he was a kitten - Already love your little Blue and want him safe.
The last thing I want to do is confuse you more, and YES, all this is a LOT to take in.

Order, like you said, test, feed, shoot. Many of us would shoot while kitty is eating.
Like said above, 1 unit would be the maximum dose you should give at this time - we are just worried about him being 7 pounds and starting on 2 units. My girl, for instance is 12 lbs and started on 2u.

Patty, I have a lot of empathy for your family situation. I also have 6 cats (and a younger dog). All my cats are 13+

I see you shot -- good job!

 

Just tell her that you know people with diabetes and they told you they never give themselves insulin without testing, so you thought it was a good idea for your furkid too. After all, our kitties are just as important to us as our 2 legged kids are

 

Welcome Patty and Blue - My Tina's brother looked so much like Blue when he was a kitten - Already love your little Blue and want him safe.
The last thing I want to do is confuse you more, and YES, all this is a LOT to take in.

Order, like you said, test, feed, shoot. Many of us would shoot while kitty is eating.
Like said above, 1 unit would be the maximum dose you should give at this time - we are just worried about him being 7 pounds and starting on 2 units. My girl, for instance is 12 lbs and was started on 2u.

Patty, I have a lot of empathy for your family situation. Things are super hard in this time of Covid-19.
I have 6 cats (and a younger dog). All my cats are 13+

Great job shooting!!

 

With as frustrated as she seemed with her vet's advice, I wasn't sure....I could see her saying she was going to stop until she got some answers too!

 

I tested at 9 tonight. I fed him first.

 

I understand. I was so concerned when I read about the hypo that I wanted to make sure she held off and didn’t want to overwhelm her with questions.
Patty you have a lot on your plate. We will help you make this part easier.

 

Okay. Don’t test now. How about you test two hours from now and post the results? I’ll come back then.

 

Don't be hard on yourself this is nothing any of us imagined we would be doing but the good news is that you love your baby and want only the best care and you landed in the right spot. You are getting excellent advice from experience.

After reading this thread I find myself thinking another vet put a cat in danger....Im so glad you sought out help.
2 units is a very high starting dose and for a small kitty it is huge. My cat is 16 pounds and gets 1 unit.

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions. I am so happy you decided to give a more gentle dose and @tiffmaxee is a wealth of knowledge.


WELCOME

 

I'm trying to make it as fun as possible. I have mom come upstairs for a cookout every Sunday. I watch shows with her on certain nights. She's so bored but I can't allow her too many outings. She keeps two cats downstairs but I feed them. I have 6 upstairs. When my daughter first came she had a dog and that was interesting. Sadly Sissy is gone. I think my youngest cat is maybe 12 but I'll have to check. It's hard to keep up. Hope your dog likes cats???
I'll talk to my vet Wednesday and let her know I've decreased the dose. She is nice but young. I normally see the owner vet but he has cut his hours. Maybe I can train the new one

 

Yes, I can probably do that. I'm a night owl anyway. Thanks.

 

My vet is an internist. I sent him Max’s spreadsheet ever few weeks. I took care of the diabetes with help from here and he managed all his other issues. Be back later.

 

Yes, around 1 a.m.

 

Hi. Post when you get a BG.

 

Yay. I think I see how it might work. I haven't tested in the middle of the 12/12. He tested 354. I'm so relieved and so glad I didn't give the 2 units. Wow, that would have been terrible. He's getting a clue now so will have to rethink testing and make him more comfortable. Treats that are good for him should arrive tomorrow. Thanks for all the help and input.

 

I’m so glad. Are you giving insulin at a good time for you? We can adjust your time by 30 minutes every 24 hours. So think about your ideal time. You will need a +2 or 3 or before bed test and sometimes a mid cycle test. We can talk about that later. Get some rest. You might want to start a new thread tomorrow as this is really long and link this one to the new one.

 

Ha ha ha I'm haven't figured that out yet. I have too much going on. Recently had knee surgery and have PT so it's scheduled different times. I'll eventually get it figured out. Thank you for all the help and encouragement. You have been great. I'll check BG again in the a.m. just to see. I will post again then. Nite.

 

Good night.

 

Just in case you've not found it before, the following site is very helpful:

felineconstipation.org


Mogs
.

 

I tested Blue and it's Hi again. He has eaten but I was late with his shot last night so am waiting until 10:30. He's so done with me.

 

Good morning Patty and EVERYONE. WOW what a thread!
I skipped down to say this:
Patty, most Vets believe their clients wont or CANT test. Thats why they never bring the subject up. They have very little faith in their clients which to me is under serving. You MUST let your vet know you intend to be FULLY engaged with Blues recovery and treatment NO MATTER WHAT.
Your vet cant know one clients preferences over another it is our JOB to inform our vets.

You are doing an amazing job. Keep up the good fight!
j.

 

Hi Patty. His numbers are going to fluctuate. It’s to be expected. Don’t bother testing again until shot time. From there we will try and find out his nadir. So you will want a test 2-3 hours after his shot and then depending on the number we can decide the next test. You can shoot 30 minutes early each morning until you get to a time you like. Think about what time that would be. I used to shoot at 6:00 so could get some night tests in. Many choose 6-7 for that reason. You must be so exhausted. I hope you can take a nap today. I never could.

Elise

 

Thank you. I do intend on showing the spreadsheet to my vet as well as following guidelines here. She is very nice but has only been practicing a short time. I have been at this practice since 1992 so feel comfortable with the owner vet and he normally will check in on what the others are doing.

 

I'm going to go ahead and give him his shot. I have PT at 11 so that works great. I will come home and test to see where he is with BG. I will post then. Thanks so much

 

If you could set up you signature that would be great

• On the left, under Settings, Click on Signature. This is where you will put information that helps us give you feedback.
  • There is a limit of two lines which may include two links; you may separate pieces with commas, dashes, | etc. This is where you paste the link for your spreadsheet, once it is set up.
  • Add any other text, such as
  • Caregiver & kitty's name (optional)
  • DX: Date
  • Name of Insulin
  • Name of your meter
  • Diet: "LC wet" or "dry food" or "combo"
  • Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
  • DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
  • Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)
  • Spreadsheet link. Please put the signature link on the bottom line of your signature information, on its own, so it is easy to find.
  • Please do not put any information about your location in the signature for security reasons. If you wish to add your country location, please add it to your profile.

Be sure to click the 'Save Changes' button at the bottom. If you need help urgently it is important we know these things at a glance. We don’t want to waste valuable time finding out information.


You will see that the signature is in gray at the bottom of each members posts

 

Thanks Diane! I was going to post that link this morning. This is even better.