Newbies with 1 month of insulin experience

[CalicoKira]

We adopted a cat from the shelter a year ago and she was diagnosed with diabetes last month. Kira is currently on Lantis and my vet works closely with me as we are figuring out what her dosage will be. I am extremely fortunate to have the best vet in the world. I am currently feeding Kira the Purina DM dry and canned food hoping she could reduce the insulin. So far, it doesn't seem to be worth it. I am glad to see the recommendations of Friskee's pate and surely the cost will be much less. I am grateful to have found this site, as it helps to know we're not alone. Any opinions on food, insulin or the glucometer are surely welcome! BTW, I purchased the AlphaTrak 2 as was recommended by the technician that taught me the ropes. Nice to meet you all

 

[BJM]

Welcome to FDMB.

Food changes may reduce the glucose 100-200 mg/dL and reduce the insulin dose 1-2 units. For safety, hold off on the food change until you are able to test easily.

Most of us use an inexpensive human glucometer as the test strips are overly expensive using a pet meter. The Target Up and Up, the ADW Glucocard 01 and 01 Mini, and the WalMart ReliOn Confirm and Confirm Micro all work well.

Since you are home testing, can we get you started using our grid to record your glucose tests? It will help us give you better feedback. Instructions are here.

Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning pre-shot test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening pre-shot)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.

 

[CalicoKira]

Thank you BJM. I will certainly use the spreadsheet. I've been writing down everything since the beginning, so its just a matter of transferring the info over when I get a chance.
I agree...the test strips for the glucometer I purchased are pretty pricey. Again...thanks for your help.

 

[BJM]

You're welcome.
Hang in - it does become less overwhelming.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hello to you and to Kira, and welcome to FDMB.

BJ has given you a lot of great info.
It really does get easier, honestly! And it's great that you have a supportive vet.

Regarding the cost of the Alphatrak test strips, some members here use Freestyle Lite test strips in the their Alphatrak meters as they are considerably cheaper. You can read about that here: ALPHATRAK 2 METERS

Best wishes,

Eliz

 

[CalicoKira]

Thank you Eliz. It really does help to have a great vet, but I also don't want to be a pest Thank you for the tip with the Freestyle Lite strips also. The injections were a snap right away, but the testing is horrible. Luckily, Kira is an angel and seems to forget right away. I am very lucky that way. I will be looking into the alternative canned foods also that were recommended in search of the lowest carb.. highest protein cans within reason. I am also lucky to have a dedicated eating machine in Kira...lol

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

The injections were a snap right away, but the testing is horrible.

Hi,

What are the particular problems you're having with the testing? We may be able to help.

Some kitties tolerate paw pad testing better than ear testing.

Also, Jamye @Jamye and Fred posted a really good little video about 'desensitization and counter conditioning'. The video uses injections as an example, but the technique could be equally applied to hometesting. Do have a look at this and see if there is anything in it that you may be able to use:
desensitizing and counter conditioning/ easier shot times

Eliz

 

[CalicoKira]

I hadn't tried the pad yet. It would just be better if I had a good helper until I get better at it....and I will check out the videos tomorrow after work when I can go through more posts on the site as well.

 

[BJM]

While you work on home testing, see my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for some other assessments which may help you evaluate how she's doing.