Treatment Question...

[spj]

So - my husband and I stopped giving Todd insulin after he was on it for just ONE day (Sunday the 23rd - he rec'vd 1 unit of Lantus twice on that day). We stopped the doses because he's so close to 200 every time we test him, so we don't want to overdose him since he's newly diagnosed and we're not home during the day. He's been on an all wet food diet for over a week.

I haven't started a chart yet, but here are the random tests we've done since his one day on insulin (all before feeding him - and I don't know if the fact he gets super upset about being glucose tested affects his blood sugar, too):

11/27 9:30 pm 263
11/28 7:18 pm 165
11/30 10:34 am 204
12/1 6:10 pm 223
12/2 6:27 pm 209

We're considering just a .25 dose of Lantus...maybe .50 - but I don't know what to do because he's so close to 200 and we both work during the day. I thought starting with 0.25 or 0.50 would be safe...but it's so hard to eyeball the 0.25 dose. Anyhow - thoughts? PJ and Todd

 

[phlika29]

Hi Pj and Todd

I hope more experienced members will be able to advise.

When I started remi I started him on 0.5 unit and this was based on a weight calculation. I will go off and see if I can find it.

So with the tests listed below these were all without insulin? Could you list the test results you got on the day Todd got the insulin, the 23rd.

With regards testing when he does get restarted on the insulin you need to make sure that you test him before you give insulin. So at least twice a day. But ideally you would try to fit in other tests, maybe a +1 in the morning and in the evening a couple more? I test remi at six in the morning, give his food and insulin and then retest an hour later at seven am. Then I go to work but my partner leaves a little later and so will get another test in. Then I repeat in the evening but also get in one at 10 o'clock. Perhaps moving his dosing time might enable you to squeeze in a morning test?

You might also want to go back and edit your title post ( edit button in your original message) and change it to lantus dosing advice needed , or something similar.

 

[phlika29]

Okay there are two different protocols when it comes to using lantus but ofcourse endless variations depending on your particular cat. Each protocol gives an idea for a starting dose and I have linked them here however I really think that you need to wait for experienced members to give advice.

From my own experience I found it less stressful to start low and work up to the dose needed in the meantime getting used to testing, the new routine etc. Your cat has not had diabetic ketoacidosis has he? If he has I believe it is more important to get his numbers into a lower range quickly.

Start low and glow slow http://www.felinediabetes.com/start-low-go-slow.htm

Or tight regulation. viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1581

Using a weight based formula for determining a starting dose of Lantus or Levemir when following the Tight Regulation Protocol:

the formula is 0.25 unit per kg of the cat's ideal weight
if kitty is underweight, the formula frequently used is 0.25 unit per kg of kitty's actual weight
if the cat was previously on another insulin, the starting dose should be increased or decreased by taking prior data into consideration

With regards fine tuning the dosing do you have the syringes that measure half units? You really need these. BD micro Demi is one such brand.

 

[spj]

Thank you SO much! Yes - I finally have the right 1/2 marked syringes. I will test every time before we dose him. We are doing one last night of blood testing without insulin to see his number pre/post eating, and then we'll start dosing tomorrow. I feel 100% more comfortable after all the input you and other members are so willing to give. Thank you!