Reading low, what to do?

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

Marion and Cotton

Member Since 2015
So tonite I have a problem I didn't think I would have. I just tested Cotton's blood at 7:30 and it was 5.3. I gave him some temptations and then checked his blood 15 minutes later and it was 6.2. This readings are in the normal range. So do I give him an injection or not? Maybe half a dose? Not sure what to do really.
 
According to the curve chart on Cotton's ss, it's Lantus. Reducing a Lantus dose doesn't necessarily have the full instant reduction effect of other insulins because of the depot. Both numbers you got are shootable (I make them 95 and 111 on the US scale), but it depends how comfortable you are with going for a possible reduction as he might be headed that way if you give the shot. Can you test frequently if necessary and have you got a hypo kit ready?
 
For people who are new, we recommend that they don't give insulin if the cat is less than 200 (11.1) at shot time. It looks like you did give insulin. I'd try to get a test a couple hours after the shot and maybe a bit cycle test in.

For future reference, don't feed for two hours before you give insulin. Food can influence the numbers for a couple of hours and you want to make sure you are not giving insulin on a food influenced number, especially if it's low.
 
No, I did not give insulin. I just tried to get another reading but I blew it and Cotton got mad at me. So I think I stressed him a bit and I've decided to forgo the insulin tonite and check in the morning. I will also contact the vet and let him know what has happened. Thanks for your responses!
 
Good call. Just put something like NS (for no shot) in the units column of the spreadsheet. I suspect the dose might have to go down a bit.
 
You did the right thing. It is always better to skip the shot then to give it when the BG is too low. When you test this morning, the BG may be higher than normal. Don't worry, that is expected. You will still give your normal dose.
 
Hi Marion,

It would be helpful if you could add information about the type of insulin and also the type of meter you're using into your signature. That way, everyone replying to your posts will be able to give you better responses. :)
 
Editing your Signature

In the upper right corner of the screen, within the dark blue bar, you will see ID, Inbox, and Alerts

Click on your ID.

On the left, under Settings, Click on Signature.
This is where you will put information that helps us give you feedback.
This is where you paste the link for your spreadsheet, once it is set up.
Add any other text, such as
your name,
cat's name,
date of Dx (diagnosis)
insulin
meter
any other pertinent issues like if there are any food issues, history of DKA, hepatic lipidosis, pancreatitis, allergies, IBD, etc.
Click the Save Changes button at the bottom.

Always click the Save Changes button at the bottom when you have changed anything.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top