Question from Aus (Smookie has her insulin)

[Smookster]

Hi there,

Smookie has started on her insulin injections this week (Lantus) and is coping really well. I just have a quick question regarding blood glucose monitoring in the morning. Should I do it before or after breakfast?

She is getting her shots at 7am & 7pm and, I usually get up at 6am to feed her. Not sure if I should feed her first and then take the test just before I give the shot - can I please get some advice on this. We are just testing twice a day - once in the morning, and then at her nadir (about 4pm). This is based on our vets recommendation.

Also, I am giving her a mix of wet & dry foods (the Hills diabets foods) - shoud she be on only wet? Do any of our other Aus readers have recommendations on wet foods - I love her, but Jeez, the Hills food is expensive! I keep reading that Fancy Feast is a good wet brand to eat but not sure if that is the same Fancy Feast we get here in Australia.

Thanks in advance.

Allison & Smookie

 

[Jana+BK+Chester(GA)+Wilbur]

Allison, I test before I feed because food will bring the BG levels up. That could be a problem if you and/or the vet were considering a change in the dose based on BG numbers that were inflated because of food.

I don't know if the FF or other brands in Australia are the same as the US or not. Janet & Binky's food chart is here: http://www.felinediabetes.com/diabetic-cat-diets.htm, so if it turns out the FF in Australia is the same as here you will have a list that include the amount of carbs in the different varieties.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Testing one hour after eating could cause the BG to raise and thus not be representative of the before shot value. If you test five to ten minutes after feeding that is fine. However, the real key is to be consistent. If you always test one hour after feeding that would be fine.