To shoot or not to shoot, that is the question.....

Hello,
My cat just started on Lantus(1 unit twice a day) on Monday. The vet gave him the first dose On Monday. They told me they wrote the time down, but by the time I went to check they had closed and I had no idea when I should give the shot, so to be safe I skipped it. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I gave him both shots. Around 1:30 am Thursday mornings (+5 1/2 ) I checked his BG and it was 84 on the Alpha Trak2. I was nervous to go to sleep because I knew it would continue to fall. I gave him a bit of Sheba in Gravy and had to go to bed. My question is, if I test him and his BG is normal(currently 128 at shot time) should I administer insulin in any amount if I can’t stay awake to test in 5-8 hours? I am so confused by all of this, but I definitely don’t want to administer and then him go into hypoglycemia shock because I was not awake to test him.

 

It is so great that you are testing.

It is recommended for beginners not to shoot under 150. As you gather more data, you will be able to shoot a bit lower. But you do not have enough data to do that yet.

If you can set up a spreadsheet, it would help us look at the bigger picture and help you find a dose that you can shoot. We are fairly data driven. If you run into difficulty setting up a spreadsheet, there are spreadsheet savvy people here who can help you.

• FDMB Spreadsheet Instructions
• Understanding the Spreadsheet/Grid

Just so you know, carbs wear off rather quickly.
And just in case. The take action number on an AlphaTrak is 68.

Symptoms of & how to treat HYPOGLYCEMIA - what to do if your kitty experiences hypoglycemia
Jojo's Hypo Tool box - be prepared, what to have on hand in case of an emergency

 

Thanks for your reply. I just wanted to be sure I was doing the right thing, as I chose not to shoot tonight. As for setting up a spreadsheet, I do not have a laptop or P/C. I only have an iPhone. I downloaded google sheets, but it kept crashing, so I don’t know what to do.

 

Tagging
@Marje and Gracie
for you.

 

Do you have Google Drive on your iPhone? You need it to be able to use Google Sheets.

 

Thanks

 

I don’t think so. I will check the App Store.
Thanks

 

Can you tell us a bit more about how your cat (name?) was diagnosed? Any ketones or DKA on diagnosis? Just asking because it makes a difference on your decision to shoot or not.

 

His name is Jinx AKA Monka He was loosing weight over a period of a few months , but he was ravenous. The vet did blood tests and confirmed diabetes. He also did a urinalysis and it was fine, no ketones.

 

I’ll send you a private message, Check your inbox (too right corner). I just need some info and I can do it in the morning.

 

Thank you

 

You’re welcome!