? Cocoa-Diberic New Here

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by Cocoa12, Jan 22, 2018.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Hi All,

    My cat Cocoa was just diagnosed as diabetic on Wednesday 1/18/18. He has been on Glargine since that day 1 unit twice a day. I was able to take some time off from work to help him get some what stable and in a routine. Tomorrow is my first day back he will be alone for 9 hours. Is there anything special I should do?

    Also I just took his BP and it was 488 I had to poke him a few time to get blood so I am wondering if that is a bad reading since the flight or fight had kicked in. He was not having it and rather mad.

    Any advice for me or words of encouragement?
     
    LuvinThisPig and Fiona & Ruby like this.
  2. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2016
    Welcome to FDMB. :)There's tons of people here who know scads more than I, and I am going to call them out here. But meanwhile, yes, I think the stress may have caused some elevation. To really help you though, we do need you to start recording Cocoa's blood glucose (BG) readings. To do this you need to set up a chart. @Marje and Gracie can help you with this. I see that @Gill & George are on now, so I'm calling on her now. @tiffmaxee is extremely knowledgeable as well.

    You and Cocoa will do very well here. We're good caring people with lots of experience, and we will help you. Right now it would help us help you, if you can tell us all the blood glucose (BG) readings Cocoa has had so far.
    Here is are 2 links to documents specifically meant for newcomers:
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/updated-tips-for-new-members.173572/#post-2116145
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...the-basics-new-to-the-group-start-here.18139/

    You're not alone in this.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  3. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2016
    I read this just before going to bed, so I can't respond any more tonight. I hope @Gill & George will be able to. For the long 9 hour period tomorrow, I think you should leave down food for Cocoa, so that her BG (blood glucose) doesn't go down too far.
     
  4. Gill & George

    Gill & George Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2015
    Hi there and welcome,
    I'm sorry about the diagnosis, I still remember how distraught I was when I found out George was diabetic. It took a while to see some better numbers, I followed Tight Regulations (TR) with the help of the folk here on the board, we eventually got George regulated and he went into remission, we had a reasonably smooth ride, others find it harder to regulate their cat. I'm glad you found your way to the board, there's a wealth of experience here just at your fingertips.

    In principal what Kathy suggested is good advice, leave food out for him to nibble on while you are out.

    Without a little more info it's impossible to give you more Cocoa specific advice. Try not to panic about a seeing a high number, even if it were a bit inflated because you had to poke him a couple of times, I wouldn't worry about that. If I am honest with home testing we don't really see stress induced numbers in the same way you would at a vet's surgery. The testing will get easier, hang in there.

    Some important advice (vets don't always tell you)

    Always get a BG test just before you shoot, and to ensure that test is not influenced by food, take up all food 2 hours before shot time.
    Try to be consistent with shot times, you need to try and shoot 12 hours apart, this works best with Lantus.
    Because Lantus dosing is based on how low the dose is taking Cocoa, it's also important to get at least one other test in in every cycle. It doesn't matter where that is anywhere between +1 and +11, whatever is going to fit in with your schedule.
    If you are usually away for 9 hours, you might want to arrange your shot times so you are able to get a couple of tests before you leave in the morning, but after you have shot.

    It would be really helpful to us, and to you, if you could start using the spread sheet. Most of us track our dosing and BG using these and are very used to seeing data and patterns in this format, allowing us to quickly and easily assess and help you help Cocoa.
    Here is a link to the instructions on how to set it up
    Spreadsheet Instructions, do shout if you have difficulty with it, we can help you with it if need be.

    To help you more effectively, when you get time can you tell us a little more about Cocoa?
    What are you feeding him? and when? have you changed foods since diagnosis?
    What type of meter are you using? (most of us use human meters, the strips are much more economical and you can save your money for other expenses)
    Does he have any other health issues?
    How did you find out about the diabetes?
     
  5. Fiona & Ruby

    Fiona & Ruby Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2017
    Hi and welcome to you and Cocoa, you've no doubt been thru a bit of a roller coaster ride coming to terms with FD but this place will be a wealth of knowledge and support. Like @Kathy and TiTi suggested it's going really help you get the best advice by getting yourself set up with a spreadsheet and add it to your signature. That way those in the know can gain perspective of Cocoa's journey to date and if the 488 is 'unusual'. Just bear in mind our fur babies can flip around quite a bit at the start whilst they're trying to find their level. Not easy for momma to cope with but possibly not something to be alarmed at. Has your vet spoken to you about testing for ketones in her pee? Possibly a good thing to do whilst the numbers are kicking high. Hopefully there will be others on soon to help out with their wisdom.
     
    Gill & George likes this.
  6. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Hi Cocoa and Dad. Welcome to Lantus & Levemir Land, the nicest place you never wanted to be.

    You've been given some great tips so far. I'll just add a couple more:

    It is WONDERFUL that you are home testing. That is the best way to keep Cocoa safe and help to figure out what is going on with his FD. Here is a post that will give you some tips to help make testing easier for you both. My favorite two suggestions are:

    1) Always give a diabetic-friendly treat when you test, even if you don't get any blood. You want Cocoa to associate testing with something good. Diabetic-friendly treats include bite-sized pieces of plain cooked chicken or freeze-dried meats. Most pet stores carry these - the ones labeled for dogs are actually cheaper and work just as well, as long as they contain nothing but the chicken,turkey, salmon,etc.

    2) Always warm the ear first. Many of us use a sock with some uncooked rice in it. Warm it in the microwave - test it on your wrist like you would a baby's bottle to make sure it's not too hot. You hold it against the ear for several seconds to warm it and get the blood flowing. I would then put it behind the ear to help hold it firm with poking.

    Read all the stickies at the top of the Lantus & Levemir page. Knowledge is power. There is a LOT to absorb, and it's overwhelming at first, but don't worry. We've all been there and understand. Ask lots of questions. We love to help.

    Kathy already gave you a link to my favorite post for new members: - it's kind of like an
    FAQ. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/updated-tips-for-new-members.173572/

    It's actually BG - Blood Glucose. If you say BP people will think you took his blood pressure. ;)
     
  7. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018

    Thank you for all the info I will check out each link you provided. It is good to know I am not alone :)

    Jeremiah
     
  8. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    That is an awesome spreadsheet. I am an engineer so I love excel LOL! I will start using this and post it. I left food out for Cocoa today so he should be fine.
     
  9. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Hi there Gill and George. Thank you for the reply I guess having my name would help lol it is Jeremiah. Great advice I am going to start testing him before the shoot and after the shoot and track it with the nifty excel doc.

    Right now Cocoa is eating the DM from Science Diet as well as canned Fancy Feast flacked or classic. He eats in the morning and in the evening and today he is free eating while I am at work mostly dry food. He typically doesn't touch the wet after it has been left out for more than a half hour. The vet already had him on the DM the only thing I changed was I moved away from the gravy lovers Fancy Feast over to the flacked and classis..
    I am using the one touch Ultra Mini.
    He has allergies and eat at his skin. This seems to have calmed down some what after the insulin started.
    A few months ago I brought him into the vet and they checked it I can not recall why. The vet had me change his food in hopes of stopping it from become full diabetes. Last Wednesday he threw up and pee'd in my shoes. This is very abnormal for him so I took him to the vet. His blood sugar was very high and he tested positive for pancreatitis.
     
    Gill & George and Fiona & Ruby like this.
  10. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Hi Fiona and Ruby. Thank you for the info. The vet actually told me to wait 7-10 days before I start testing on order to let his body regulate to the insulin. I did not agree with that based on everything I have been reading. So I decided to start testing after giving him the insulin. I am now going to start testing before and after. The 488 reading was after I poked him a few times and spent around 15 min trying to get him to give me a drop of blood. So I would imagine the flight or fight response kicked in pumping glucose stores into his blood in preparation. That's just my guess.
     
  11. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Thank you for the links I will check them out.

    Yeah after I put BP I was like "hmm they are going to think I mean blood pressure".
     
  12. Alicia & Maggie (GA)

    Alicia & Maggie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2017
    Welcome Jeremiah and Cocoa! I'll leave the advice to the most experienced, but know it gets easier as time goes by. This is the best place you never wanted to be. :cat:
     
  13. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    Hi and welcome. I’m in Los Angeles as well. You have been given a lot of info and I don’t want to add too much more until you digest it all. The fancy feast classics are lowest in carbs which is what you want. You can look at the food chart here for low carb foods. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/dr-pierson-new-food-chart.174147/

    You will want some hc food on hand should Cocoa’s BG get too low and also Karo syrup. Ask lots of questions and we will answer.
     
  14. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    Jeremiah, I'm so happy you've decided to do the pre shots and interim testing. It's the best way to keep Cocoa safe and you'll have greater peace of mind! Welcome again (met on fb)! :bighug::bighug: I hope you have a great day back at work. Looking forward to seeing Cocoa's ss when you get it done. :) if I missed it, apologies, but what dry food are you feeding? This group has lots of good alternatives (better fur diabetic kitties especially and kitties in general not to eat dry); and there are dries that are better than others. :)
     
  15. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    Myagi (GA) and Heidi likes this.
  16. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Just FYI, our spreadsheet isn't in Excel. It's in Google Docs.

    One way to help with this is to get a timed feeder that has a place under it for an ice pack. A lot of us here use the Petsafe 5 Meal Feeder, available online and at some Petsmarts and/or Petcos. Besides using the icepacks underneath, some people put ice cubes on the later meals, or even freeze the food itself, so when it thaws it will be moist.

    If you are referring to the canned m/d, it is 13% carbs, which is considered Medium Carb - too high for a diabetic for daily use. If you are referring to the dry version, I don't know the actual carb percentage for this, but on the website they list the dry matter carbs at 18% - I'm guessing it's still too high for a diabetic. As Dr. Lisa explains on her site, dry food isn't good for any cat, but especially not for a diabetic, so getting him off that would certainly help.

    So why would a vet recommend it? Good question. I can only guess. My suspicion is that they have been taught to trust the "prescription" foods in vet school. Let's face it, unlike a human doctor, a vet has to learn about many different conditions and illnesses in multiple species. Unless they specialize, they are unlikely to know more than the basics about any one of them. We have found that, unless a vet has treated a lot of diabetics, they generally only have rudimentary knowledge of FD, and it is often out of date. My cats were treated at the University of California at Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the #1 rated vet school in the country. A 3rd year student there told me that they get exactly 5 hours of training on diabetes, and that covers BOTH cats and dogs. So it really isn't surprising most vets don't know more. So I don't mean to criticize your vet, just sharing what we have found.
     
    Gill & George likes this.
  17. Amy&TrixieCat

    Amy&TrixieCat Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2011
    You've gotten lots of good info, so I'm mainly going to say "welcome!" The other tidbit: If you find the strips for the One Touch Ultra getting to pricey, there are other very good meters out there with cheaper strips. I started out with the One Touch as well, but replenishing strips was quickly depleting our bank account! Many folks here use Relions from WalMart; I used a similar meter and strips that I ordered through American Diabetes Wholesale (ADW.

    Great job, Jeremiah - you are in great hands here!
     
    Myagi (GA) and Heidi likes this.
  18. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    I’m glad you are familiar with xcel. The google SS is a bit different so let me know if you have any questions. Just tag me or send me a private message.
     
  19. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Thank you very much for the link. I just picked up Karo syrup yesterday!
     
  20. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Yes it is the dry food. I have no clue why the vet recommended it one can only guess. I am trying to get him off the dry food slowly I just don't want to stop it all of the sudden and have an unhappy kitty.

    Oh I totally agree I can't imagine they get much training in it. I was actually thinking about finding a specialist and taking him to them.
     
  21. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Thank you I am happy I found this place! OMG yes the one touch ultra stips at CVS $174 for 100. Are they plated in gold I was shocked when I bought them!!
     
    Kathy and TiTi likes this.
  22. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Will do thank you!
     
    Marje and Gracie likes this.
  23. Ter and Sally

    Ter and Sally Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2018
    ,

    Welcome to you both from Terri and Sally!
     
  24. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Ok so a question for everyone. I left dry food out and wet out all day for Cocoa I just took his pre-shot level and it was 511. I do not thinking leaving food out for the little guy during the day is a good idea. What are your thoughts?
     
  25. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Thank you!
     
  26. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    If you get a timed feeder and Cocoa will use it, you can leave smaller portions. But diabetic kitties need access to food if you can't do spot checks/ feedings during the work day. It will probably be key to switch over to lower carb wet and lower carb dry if you're unable to cut the dry out completely.
     
  27. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    I am going to leave out some wet food and boiled chicken for him to snack on tomorrow. I think the DM dry is just too high in carbs.
     
  28. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    Sounds much better! They love kibble but it just isn't very good for them. ;)
    Do you have your testing plan fur the evening?
     
  29. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Oh yeah I think they drug the kibble lol. I sure do I am going to test him 2 hours after the insulin followed by a test at 4 hours.
     
  30. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    Awesome! Keep us posted. :smuggrin:
     
  31. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    I sure will! I have been posting in his spreadsheet :)
     
    Myagi (GA) and Heidi likes this.
  32. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    Jeremiah, love the note in the cell for scared - very helpful! Your sheet is missing the 20th and 22nd. I know your vet had you only taking mid readings, but it be easier to following if you put all am doses given and all tests taken. If you have data in your meter from when Cocoa started insulin, go ahead and fill that all in. The more history and data the better!;)
    And since you're doing such a great job getting in swing of things, you could set up your signature as well. It will save you having to answer same basic questions repeatedly. Cocoa's name, age, gender, date of dx, other health issues, which foods, which insulin and dose, anything else you think pertinent or just want to share. Look at the signatures of the folks in this thread and tailor yours how you like.
    Looks like food starting to wear off! :)
     
  33. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2016
    WEll, it could be a bounce. You can't know how low Cocoa went during the day. If he went lower than was comfortable, he may have begun to bounce, and the 511 reading could be the top of the bounce.
     
  34. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2016
    MY GAWD! That's insane.
     
  35. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Thanks lol. I am missing data for those dates because I wasn't fully monitoring him like I now.

    I will update my signature with that data.
     
    Myagi (GA) and Heidi likes this.
  36. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Awe yes I read about the bounce. His level has dropped since getting the insulin he is down to 401. I still think living the dry food out might have been part of the cause. Tomorrow I plan on leaving some wet food and boiled chicken out for him.
     
    Kathy and TiTi likes this.
  37. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    I know right? I was like sheesh why do these things cost so much.
     
  38. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    Check eBay for test stripsas well. I used a Relion Micro most of the time but also bought One Touch there pretty cheap.
     
  39. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    Lol. No worries. Anything is better than nothing. ;) see what you can pull from your meter and fill those in and the doses of insulin.
    And no kibble tomorrow is good! Lol:smuggrin:
     
  40. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Good idea thanks for the recommendation.
     
  41. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Well he was down to 355 now he is back up to 381. His high was 446 (spreadsheet has been updated). From what I have seen here in the boards they tend to bounce around at first when trying to get the dose correct etc. I am trying not to worry myself.
     
  42. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    Definitely don't worry yourself. You have literally just started this sugar dance with Cocoa! Early days! Breathe and take it one day at time. This awesome place is here fur you and you're already doing great! Wet food and home testing is half the battle! And early days (or later ones you'll learn) can have no rhyme nor reason. So just breathe and love up on your kitty :bighug::bighug:
     
  43. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    I really appreciate the encouraging words :). I do have to say every one here is amazing!!!
     
    Myagi (GA) and Heidi likes this.
  44. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    A word of warning: If Cocoa is used to snacking on the dry all day, his numbers may drop fairly quickly if it is completely removed all at once. Tapering it might be a better idea if you're gone all day, then remove it totally on a day you are home to monitor (better still if it's two days, like a weekend, as dry takes longer to get out of the system).
     
    Stacy & Asia likes this.
  45. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    The other benefit to a timed feeder is that you can leave the last compartment empty and set it to turn to it two hours before shot time. That way, your preshot test will not be food influenced, which is important.
     
  46. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    I am happy I saw this before I left for work! Now that I think of it I totallly agree with you. I will leave some wet and dry out and tapper him off this weekend when I can monitor him. Thank you so much for the advice.
     
  47. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Do you have any recommendations for automatic feeders?
     
  48. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2017
    Just wanted to say hello and welcome! Looks like you’re off to a good start, excited to see how numbers look after the food transition. :cat:
     
  49. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
  50. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Hi I am Jeremiah nice to meet you. Yes I am hoping for a goo result as he gets away from dry food. I spoke with the vet and shared the numbers with her so far. She wants to continue with the dose he is at and see how he does. She thinks we might need to increase the dose at some point.
     
    Stacy & Asia likes this.
  51. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
  52. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    OK I need opinions please :) Where is the best location on the ear to prick the cat? It seems to be hit or miss for me and I fill like I am turning his ears into pin cushions. He is really starting to get mad with me with I come to check his levels. Any ideas and direction would be most helpful.
     
  53. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    This post (<hot link) has drawings that will help,[​IMG] along with some other good info to help you with testing. Best tips: warm the ear and always give a treat, whether you get a successful test or not. Diabetic friendly treats are freeze-dried meats, like this.

    I wasn't around when you asked, but the feeder that was already recommended, the Petsafe 5 meal feeder, is great. I have 2. You can get it online, but some Petsmarts and Petcos carry them in store.
     
  54. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018

    Amazing I love the photo! I tried it there and got it the first time.
     
  55. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Hi everyone. I have a question Cocoas blood glucose is still high he bounces around 300-400+. I have it the spreadsheet. He has been on insulin for about a week now should I be worried?
     
  56. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2017
    I wouldn't be worried, it can take a good while for them to get in to and stay in good numbers. Some kitties are faster than others; we're playing chess, not checkers. ;) You can peek in on other people's SSs and go back to when they first started insulin and see the various paths kitties take to get where they need to go.

    He might need an increase, but...it's hard to say for sure without the mid cycle data. Will you be able to do a curve this weekend?
     
    Myagi (GA) and Heidi likes this.
  57. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    Hi Jeremiah. The week part I wouldn't worry about. Kitties don't develop diabetes overnight and they don't regulate or go into remission overnight. But I would like more senior folks to give feedback on the amount of red and if there is something up or down you might do to move into less dangerous numbers. @Stacy & Asia is around tonight. If you look at Myagi's ss 2017 tab you'll see that the only way through this is literally through this. It can't be rushed and patience will be your best friend (2nd to Cocoa of course). :bighug:
     
  58. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Very true Cocoa is a little slow but in a cute way lol.

    Yes I plan on doing a curve this weekend. Although I worry the cat is going to put a hit out on me. He hates having his ear lanced.
     
  59. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Yeah seeing how he acts now and contrasting it with how he has acted for a while I think he has been diabetic for a few years or so. Very true managing diabetes is just like weight loss it takes a while to get started lol .

    I just looked at your SS 2017 looks like it took a little over a month to get the numbers down.

    Question for you how much do you feed Myagi?
     
  60. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2017
    Do you give him a treat when you test? A lot of people have luck with that, so much so that their cats look forward to test times. As you do it more often, his ears will bleed easier, your technique will get better and you can get finer lancets and he should be less bothered. Others sing to them, talk to them, give lots of extra pets, you'll find something that works for you. Look forward to seeing the curve and what's going on in the middle there.
     
  61. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    I do give him a treat when I test him perhaps I will change it over to something more desirable for him. Maybe cooked chicken or something.

    I am curious to see what is going on in the middle as well. I do not have enough data for my liking at all!
     
  62. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    The scientific answer is "as much as He wants". ;) Myagi was obese prior to fd becoming symptomatic. He dropped almost half his weight. He's gained back a few lbs and looks and feels healthy! I feed him and Millie same. There is a bowl of "soup" out all day fur grazing. They get a meal 15 minutes prior to food pick up 2 hours before shots. They get meal at shot time. They get snacks at test times and any time someone wants food and plate is empty. That's if I'm around. They have the soup if I'm not around to put fresh. Food is always mixed with water fur hydration. It works out to about 2 to 3 5.5 oz cans per day. Plus treats, young again zero or mature.
     
  63. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Wow sounds like they eat well lol. What do you put in the soup?
     
  64. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2017
    The difference is now his body is using the food for fuel and He eats what he needs and isn't gaining more, getting fat. Unregulated, the kitty is starving all the time even if eating round the clock.

    A can of pate and water to kitty preferred consistency. This took trial and error to figure out what they like. Mush and stir. I also add Zobaline to it because it won't hurt her and sometimes He won't eat his food but will eat hers! Lol. A large deep bowl cause it's messy!
     
  65. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Jeremiah, it looks, from Cocoa's spreadsheet, as if an increase may be in order. If you are planning a curve this weekend, that will probably tell us for sure. Every test you are getting is valuable. Think of the spreadsheet like a jigsaw puzzle - the more pieces you can fill in, the clearer the picture becomes. I know it is really frustrating at first - you want to see results. But this is a marathon, not a sprint. Hang in there! You are doing great.

    What are you giving now for treats? Cooked chicken is an excellent choice - very low carb. Another diabetic friendly choice is freeze-dried meats. My non-diabetic kittens go nuts for freeze-dried chicken.
     
  66. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Hi Jeremiah,

    Just wanted to add a housekeeping note. We ask each member to start a new thread every day that they post (most, but not all, post every day). You link your last thread in the first post of the day, so others can go back easily to see what has already been discussed. Otherwise, a thread gets very long and unwieldy. If you need help with the linking of the last post, just ask. Please start a new thread in the morning. Thanks.
     
  67. Steph & Quintus & L & O

    Steph & Quintus & L & O Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2017
    I think the "fear" increase of BG is usually considered to be upto 100 points or something.

    And don't worry about the poking. The first time I tried to get blood from Quintus's ear it took me 40 minutes. Not long afterwards, it was 10 seconds all said and done and he would barely lift his head from his nap. It'll get better!
     
  68. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Hi everyone happy Saturday! I need the opinion of the group. My cat Cocoa has been on insulin since 1/18 he is still 300-400+. He went in for a check at the vet today and she is recommending I move the does to 1.5 units twice a day. Or 1 unit in the AM and 2 in the PM. What is the groups this on this? Seems doing it like this could cause a massive drop in the evening and throw him out of wack. I am honestly considering taking Cocoa to a specialist.
     
  69. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Because it is a depot insulin, Lantus needs to be dosed consistently - the same dose every twelve hours. Shooting different doses at am and pm will only throw the depot out of whack and give you some crazy numbers. Your vet is obviously not familiar with depot insulins. If you do look for a specialist, be sure to ask if they have experience with Lantus and Levemir.
    This is a much better idea, and one I endorse. If there is any way for you to get more tests in during the cycle, that would also be a good idea. I know you are still struggling with testing, but practise makes purrfect! ;)

    Forgive me if this has already been asked and answered, but are you testing for ketones? Did the vet test for them when you were there? The recipe for ketones is: not enough insulin + not enough calories + infection or inflammation, but any time a cat is in sustained high numbers, we recommend keeping an eye out for ketones.

    Jeremiah, would you please be kind enough to start a new thread for today? This one is getting very long. You can link this thread in your first post so others can go back to see what has already been discussed. Thank you.
     
  70. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2016
    A specialist is good, hopefully someone with experience in Feline Diabetes. Your present vet doesn't seem to understand how Lantus works, as pointed out by Tricia. This is early days for Cocoa, so don't get discouraged. hugs :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  71. Phoebes (GA)

    Phoebes (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2017
    Welcome to you and your furbaby. A year into this dance and still figuring it all out. It took months to see numbers changing. We have what we call "patience pants" here. I can let you borrow a pair. You'll need them. They get tight and bunch up sometimes, but you have to learn to just put them on and try the best you can to put up with the uncomfortableness. You can tell you love your fur baby and you are doing the best for him. There is some neosporin gel with pain relief you can use a tiny bit on his ears to help as well. Not cream, gel. Welcome again. :bighug::bighug: head bumps and scritches :cat:
     
  72. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Thank you for getting back to me great info. His numbers seemed to be lowering and stabilizing yesterday as well as today. How do I link this thread to a new one?
     
  73. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Hugs back at you! Thank you for the good thoughts I think i am going to set up an appointment with the specialist. I love my current vet but I want to make sure Cocoa gets the best care.
     
  74. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Yeah I am not patient lol I want it now!!! LOL. Great idea I just ordered some neosporin gel + pain. Cocoas numbers started to come down yesterday and seem to be low today so maybe something is going on in the god way!
     
  75. Steph & Quintus & L & O

    Steph & Quintus & L & O Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2017
    You actually link the new thread to this one.

    1. copy the link to this web page
    2. go here to create New Thread: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-glargine-levemir-detemir.9/create-thread
    3. at the top of your new message, post the link that you copied
    4. for the title, use the format you can see other people using in the forum: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-glargine-levemir-detemir.9/ -- date, cat's name, relevant numbers for the day and maybe short question/info

    Does this help?
     
  76. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2016
    Actually, this thread is turning into a novel. lol
     
  77. Cocoa12

    Cocoa12 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    It’s more of a long short story lol!
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page