Not sure how much to dose right now, only 2nd time dosing him

Daddy Jack's Mommy (GA)

Daddy Jack's Mommy (GA)

Very Active Member
Jack is newly diagnosed. I’ve had trouble getting enough blood and have only been able to get a reading 3 times before tonight (all on Friday), and I only gave him insulin one time (.5U). Yesterday, no reading so no insulin.

Right now, I got enough blood (with a ReliOn meter) and his BG is 394. (He last ate over 3 hours ago, just a little canned Friskies). I’m not sure how much to give him right now. I’d love some input. I’m a little nervous. The vet wants 2U every 12 hours, but what should I begin with now? (His fructosamine was over 700 at the vets 9 days ago.)

Thank you so much.

~ Carolyn
 
Just to be clear: the blanks in the cells ("U") where units given would be mean he did not get insulin. Correct? I suggest you try 1 unit, the usual starting dose. Try very hard to get those pre shot tests.

Re testing:
  • Are you warming his ear?
  • Are you using 26 - 28 gauge lancets?
  • Are you aiming for the upper outer very edge of his ear?
 
Kris & Teasel said:
Just to be clear: the blanks in the cells ("U") where units given would be mean he did not get insulin. Correct? I suggest you try 1 unit, the usual starting dose. Try very hard to get those pre shot tests.

Re testing:
  • Are you warming his ear?
  • Are you using 26 - 28 gauge lancets?
  • Are you aiming for the upper outer very edge of his ear?
Click to expand...
Yes. I warm his ear. I'm using 28 gauge, and I hit the outer ear alongside the vein. It's been frustrating because I do poke him and he does bleed a little, but not enough to get a reading. Today, I bought a ReliOn meter, and I had no problem getting it to read. Also, I got more blood tonight because i tried another technique. That aside, all of those cells are empty because I had no BG readings and gave him no insulin. I was afraid because of the switch to low carb. I didn't want to make his BG drop too low. (And I was afraid I wouldn't be able to monitor his BG.)
From this point on, I'm hoping to always get a reading.
I'll give him 1U. Thank you!
 
Jenna Josie said:
Hi Carolyn -- great job getting a test! It truly does get easier, I promise!

I think Djamila gave you a bunch of tips on a different thread (? She gave someone tips -- was it you?), but here's one more that may help: there's a bevel! http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/testing-and-shooting-tips.85113/ Perhaps being sure you've got the bevel up will help some.
Click to expand...
I so appreciate you sharing that link! I learned so much (also from all of the comments). First, I had no idea that the lancet was beveled. But even more significant (to Jack and his mommy), I learned how to put the blood drop on my fingernail!! It was like a miracle when I did that tonight, after two previous times of sticking him and not being able to get a reading. (Not enough blood the 1st time, and then Jack ran away the 2nd time.) That tip was a life changer.
 
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