Question about Lantus and the 12/12

[Mimis mom]

As I’m rereading dosing methods sticky notes I see these paragraphs

In most cases, Lantus, Levemir, and Biosimilars are best given on a 12/12 schedule when following these methods. However, sometimes life doesn't afford the luxury of adhering to a strict 12/12 schedule every day of the week... every week of the year. Don't let fluctuations in your schedule deter you from using these wonderful insulins.

Shooting every 12 hours is best with these methods, but many caregivers have been able to work around their schedules successfully once they're able to get an idea of how their cat responds. Don't be afraid to ask for help. There's a good chance someone else has "been there, done that".

Is this saying some people do once a day not 12 hours every day of the week?

 

[FrostD]

No, once a day dosing almost never works for cats because their metabolism is so fast.

It's saying that once you have data and know your cat, you can be flexible when necessary (assuming data shows it is safe to do so). Take nurses for example who may work 12+ hour shifts (or many other occupations) - 12/12 dosing impossible on work days. So it may be more like 10/14, just have to be careful.

Or even things like going out once in awhile to have some semblance of a social life, it may be ok to shoot a little early or late - but again need the data to make what is safe.

 

[tiffmaxee]

As I’m rereading dosing methods sticky notes

Is this saying some people do once a day not 12 hours every day of the week?

Once a day Lantus dosing dies not work if you are asking about doing that every day. What it means is occasionally if you can’t shoot exactly on time or need to skip, do so.

 

[Mimis mom]

No, once a day dosing almost never works for cats because their metabolism is so fast.

It's saying that once you have data and know your cat, you can be flexible when necessary (assuming data shows it is safe to do so). Take nurses for example who may work 12+ hour shifts (or many other occupations) - 12/12 dosing impossible on work days. So it may be more like 10/14, just have to be careful.

Or even things like going out once in awhile to have some semblance of a social life, it may be ok to shoot a little early or late - but again need the data to make what is safe.

Ohhh! I didn’t know that! I’m always scared to shoot early because of overdose!!! If I could alter it like that it would make my life easier-
When I messed up her schedule one time I was told strictly only bring it back by 15 minute increments. Why didn’t I just shoot her back at her normal time?

 

[Mimis mom]

Once a day Lantus dosing dies not work if you are asking about doing that every day. What it means is occasionally if you can’t shoot exactly on time or need to skip, do so.

that’s really bad for them though right? The way the paragraph is reading it sounds like this could be an every week thing for soMe like only 5
Out of rhe 7 days they can stick to 12/12 otherwise -
They shoot early? Like 10/14 as stated above? That seems so scary to me when I’m always told if I mess up her dose to only change it by 15 minute increments otherwise it could be like an increase

 

[FrostD]

Ohhh! I didn’t know that! I’m always scared to shoot early because of overdose!!! If I could alter it like that it would make my life easier-
When I messed up her schedule one time I was told strictly only bring it back by 15 minute increments. Why didn’t I just shoot her back at her normal time?

It really really depends on the cat and the numbers. It is best to bring them back slowly if you can, especially when they're a little unpredictable like Mimi is with these green numbers.

That said, life happens. When I went into labor I had no choice but to shoot early and let his PM shot be late. But with his numbers and patterns at the time I knew it was very safe to do that. That was the only time I ever shot outside the 12/12 window, because consistency is best

 

[FrostD]

that’s really bad for them though right? The way the paragraph is reading it sounds like this could be an every week thing for soMe like only 5
Out of rhe 7 days they can stick to 12/12 otherwise -
They shoot early? Like 10/14 as stated above? That seems so scary to me when I’m always told if I mess up her dose to only change it by 15 minute increments otherwise it could be like an increase

Again, data. Some caregivers' schedules simply can't do 12/12, but the cat still needs insulin right?

Shooting early can act like an increase, yes, which is why you have to know your cat/patterns. Use last night as an example - you shot early, and you saw she was still dropping a bit coming into AMPS and had to stall. It would not have been safe to shoot any earlier - for Mimi specifically.

It's why we tell everyone Lantus needs to be given 12/12. The only time that can/would change is extenuating circumstances or when 12/12 truly is not possible (vs just "inconvenient").

 

[Mimis mom]

Again, data. Some caregivers' schedules simply can't do 12/12, but the cat still needs insulin right?

Shooting early can act like an increase, yes, which is why you have to know your cat/patterns. Use last night as an example - you shot early, and you saw she was still dropping a bit coming into AMPS and had to stall. It would not have been safe to shoot any earlier - for Mimi specifically.

It's why we tell everyone Lantus needs to be given 12/12. The only time that can/would change is extenuating circumstances or when 12/12 truly is not possible (vs just "inconvenient").

So based on Mimi specifically- you would say she’s sensitive to any changes in times. Like it would hurt her to veer far from the 12/12.
A lot of times I won’t be on the 12/12- but I’ll keep it that way - for example- say she’s at 9 pm (which is my ideal time because it might allow a caretaker)
But then I’m stuck out till 10- I give her the 10 shot and then keep her at 10- and then it sometimes happens where I’m home at 11 and I again move her shot time to 11. It’s because my work schedule is 12-9 4 days a week. Sometimes it’s earlier and then I go grocery shopping or soMetimes I’m just at work till past 9 (I’m a hair stylist)
Maybe that’s why she sometimes has below 60 PS- it seems to be like 3 times a month she gets into low PS numbers- and it’s a new thing too- shes only been like this this year.
Could I be messing her up being late with shots even though I do keep her on a 12/12 just with new times?