Newly diagnosed

[Marley1]

Hi, my Marley was diagnosed a month ago. He’s 9 years old and weighs 12 lbs(was 17 lbs before diabetes) He was initially on 1 unit twice a day of glargine. He had a curve test at the vet a few days ago and his numbers we’re still very high. His numbers ranged from 26.6 to the lowest(6 hrs after shot) at 17.9. The vet recommended increasing his shot to 3 units. That seems drastic to me. Is it ok to increase by 2 units? I’ve been doing it but I worry about hypoglycaemia. Any opinions would be appreciated.
On a side note, I’m having a hard time using this site. It’s confusing to me. I’ve tried but don't know how to create a spread sheet.

 

[squeem3]

The spreadsheet instructions are here: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-create-a-spreadsheet.241706/

You'll need to create a Google account if you don't already have one.

We recommend increasing by no more than 1 unit at a time. Better to go slow with the dose increases than to increase too much and risk hypo.

Do you test your cat's blood glucose levels at home? What do you feed your cat?

 

[Marley1]

Thanks for your reply!
No I haven’t tested at home yet but I plan on starting. I have the Contour Next human monitor but I’m not sure how to interpret that to pet numbers. This is all so new to me, it makes me nervous. I’ve been feeding him fancy feast pate since the diagnosis.
I thought it seemed extreme to jump to 3 units but it was recommended by a vet so I question if I should doubt his professional opinion. This is all so nerve wracking.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Welcome to FDMB. I’m moving your post to the Main Health board which is where all new members need to start.

I have to make a correction to Squeeem’s post above; we make dose increases generally in 0.25u increments. There are situations where we might do 0.5u based on really high and flat BGs. Also, very high dose cats (over 5u twice a day) will get more of an increase. But for your boy, it would be no more than 0.5u held for a minimum of six days but potentially longer. That’s why we need to see the spreadsheet.

I’m going to send you a private message so I can set the spreadsheet up for you. But please be sure you create a google account first. To see my message, click on the “Inbox” upper right corner.

 

[squeem3]

There isn't anything to interpret. The number you get on the Human meter is what your cat's blood glucose level is.

It's fine to ask the vet questions and discuss concerns you have. Just because the vet has a degree and experience doesn't mean they know everything and what they say is the absolute right way to do something. It's important to have a good relationship with the vet and feel that your concerns are being listened to and taken into consideration when coming up with a treatment plan.

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

Welcome. Waving from Ontario.
Feline diabetes is a steep learning curve but everything becomes second nature rather quickly and we can help every step of the way.

 

[Marley1]

Waving back from Manitoba. Thanks for the encouragement. Yes a steep learning curve indeed. I have a bit of knowledge because my husband is diabetic but this is a whole other animal(pun intended).