Stewey' diabetic adventure

[jane and stewey]

I am new to the care of feline diabetes. Been hitting the health libraries, checking the internet and any other source of info that might help me to deliver quality cat to a gentle baby. More importantly helping Stewey to be healthy. Blessed to make contact with Venita @ dcin. She has profided me with a wealth of great information. I am getting more adept at checking blood sugars. Stewey is getting more comfortable with the procedure as well. Have already regimented her blood sugar times, insulin delivery and feeding schedules. She is now off of all dry food. Initially on NPH twice daily because of the high cost of glargene (lantus) insulin. Was quite a roller coaster ride with response to insulin. The end of last week finally registering 185-240 range. Nph was discontinued friday and lantus started with the p.m. dose. We are presently back on the roller coaster. But, she has only had 6 doses.
Went to the health services library to read about lantus, feline diabetes and the possiblility of going in to remission over time. I am hopeful that this will happen with my little one.
I am a novice to surfing the information highway, as well as caring for a diabetic animal. I hope to participate in this forum with more understanding in the future. The first time is somewhat intimidating. I look forward to learning and sharing with you veterans.

Jane and Stewey

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Hi Jane & Stewey and welcome to FDMB.

Sounds like you are off to a great start. Venita is a great resource and I am glad she has provided you with some great info. We look forward to hearing from you often.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

 

[KPassa]

Lantus can take 5-7 days after the initial starting dose before you see the full impact on the numbers so give it a couple mor days to see if Stewey's BG levels go down further. What dose are you giving?

 

[Deb & Wink]

The Insulin Support Group for Lantus Tight Regulation ( affectionately known as Lantus TR) has some great information in the stickies at the top of the forum on using Lantus. You might want to pop over to that forum and do some reading.

Having a spreadsheet setup is a great tool for monitoring your cat and we could follow along too. Directions for that setup are here.

What questions do you have for us?

 

[Venita]

I spoke to Jane today and she hopes to be here more often. She has found a local site where she can have internet access every Friday.

Jane tells me that Stewey is doing really well. The dander in her coat has cleared and it is more silky. She is getting back up on her regular high places. And Stewey is very welcoming of her BG tests because it means food!

I didn't ask much about BG numbers but it seems like they are mostly in the low to mid 100s. But I don't know when in the cycles those are taken. Perhaps someone can be be prepared to help her with a spreadsheet when she comes here next Friday? (Sorry, I don't do spreadsheets as I haven't recorded numbers for an insulin-dependent diabetic for a couple years.) Stewey is on 1U Lantus BID, and it might be that a dose reduction might be in order as Jane would like to try for remission.

Thank you very much for listening and for helping Jane and her Stewey. Photos of Stewey are at http://piccats.blogspot.com/2014/06/stewey.html