No insulin not working -- how do I dose small amounts?

[heidi]

The no insulin experiment gave me a day off to breathe, but after seeing high numbers yesterday (high 300's) and this morning (577) I think Frodo still needs some insulin support.

My plan was to try 0.25 units 2 x day (unless any of you much more experienced care-givers has another idea?). But this morning I could not figure out how to dose that small with any feeling of accuracy. I'm using the 31 guage BD syringes (3/10 ml.) with marks every half unit. The area between half units is so small though that I could be giving him anything between .15 and .35 . . . It was very hard to tell what is half way. Also, the tiniest air bubble (which I couldn't get rid of this morning) could have a huge effect. Any tips for dealing with such small doses? Are other syringes better for this? I erred on the side of caution this morning since Frodo has a history of being very sensitive to insulin -- probably giving him somewhere between .1 and .3. I could at least tell there was some insulin in the syringe. Is this accurate enough? Also, he is starting to pull away at the last moment or flinch with his shot and it's hard to tell with such a small dose whether I've hit the plunger or hit it at the right time and actually got the dose in. Any advice with that?

Thanks wonderful people. This has been a stressful introduction to the world of feline diabetes, but I'm hopeful we're zeroing in on the right dose.

Heidi

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

The doses that are not on the "lines" of the syringe can be hard to negotiate. The most important factor is to be consistent. However you line things up, just stick with that method. I will base how I'm dosing on where the top or bottom of the plunger is in relation to one of the lines.

There are photos of syringes with small doses in the New to the Group sticky and descriptions, as well. There is also a link to a Fine Dose Pictorial Guide in the sticky just above the photos.

One other suggestion -- When you are trying to titrate your dose, don't push the plunger. Instead, twist it. You'll be "dialing in" the dose. This will give you much greater control so you can expel a drop at a time.

 

[heidi]

Thanks, Sienne.
That's exactly the information I needed. I'll play around with an old syringe and some water tonight to see if I can practice titrating small doses with consistency. Heidi

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

You might want to use something with color -- juice or add food coloring to water -- so you have an easier time eyeballing the dose.