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  1. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Booger's nadir was running at a good reading yesterday. A little lower for my comfort zone to be honest. I felt like since he was running close to 100 that it would only be a matter of time that he would go hypo. He didn't thank god. My question is, should I bump him back up to 2.5? This is what the vet told me to give him after her bumping him to 3units after his glucose curve on 3/9 and he was in the 300's the whole day. After his first hypo. she told me to take him down to 2.5. I am running out of Alphatrak strips and it's making me nervous. I went yesterday and bought more ReliOn strips. Though I know there is going to be a difference with the human meter, it makes me nervous not knowing what his real BG is. I do not have a choice at the moment as I can not afford to buy any more Alphatrak strips. I just bought two bottles and went through them in less than 2 weeks. This is all from me being the helicopter mom I am. I thought that he could go hypo at any moment. Which I know there is always that possibility but more likely near nadir. Now knowing that, I am only testing him before meals/shots and between +4 to +6 hours. Booger was supposed to go for another Glucose curve tomorrow, but I didn't want to stress him out again to where he will go hypo. His BG will be a lot higher there than it would be at home so I really do not see the point. I do have a Wellness Plan with the vet that covers the glucose curves but they always charge me additional for something. They didn't exactly explain the $30 charge last time. I am just going to wait until I get paid at the beginning of next month to get more alphatrak strips and do a glucose curve.
     
  2. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Also, now that I am starting to get a good nadir, how do I even him out the rest of the day?
     
  3. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    I definitely would not take him back to 2.5 right now. Your cat is going from 600 down to 100 and back up. That's some major bouncing. If anything I would have stuck with 2 for a while (at least a week) and see if bounce would subside. If you want to stick with 2.25 consistently that's OK as long as you can check the nadir. I saw you lowered the dose when the preshot was in the 300's.... If that happens again try sticking with your normal dose. It will hopefully be the start of lower preshots.
     
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  4. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Thank you!
     
  5. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Booger was in the 2 and 3 hundreds today at nadir. Is that a sign that he is needing to now go from 2.25 units to 2.5 or should I do a glucose curve in the morning? Or could this just be a reaction to him not getting his insulin the night before (didn't go in :( he was fighting me) and I should just wait a few more cycles?
     
  6. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    I answered on your other thread and said you could try 2.5 u. I think Boogie is a bouncy cat and the fast onset nature of Vetsulin might be triggering the big differences in PS to nadir BGs. Bouncing can happen if:
    • BG drops too low
    • BG drops too fast
    • BG drops to numbers that are lower than usual even if still too high.
     
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  7. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Yeah I saw your other response. I thought I would post it both places as it relates to both posts. Do you think him bouncing has to do with him snacking on his food throughout the day? He doesnt eat very much of it at meal times so he snacks a few times throughout the day.
     
  8. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    The dry food could contribute to it. The DM dry is high-ish in carbs (14+%?). You can order samples of Young Again Zero or Dr. Elsey's low carb dry food online to see if these might work for him.
     
  9. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    another option is to try three shots a day every 8 hours of a lower dose if you are home... it's a lot more work though. or try a longer acting insulin like prozinc or lantus.
     
  10. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Knowing that the Vetsulin doesn't last as long as Lantus, I am surprised that the vet did not recommend 3 shots a day after his last glucose curve. I find it odd as well that when he is home, he is bouncing all over the place, but when he was at the vets doing the first Glucose curve, she made it sound like he was in the 300's consistently all day.
     
  11. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Boogers numbers were pretty good today. I checked him a few times around nadir bc he was acting a little strange. But over all I am very happy with his levels today.
     
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  12. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    I guess I will be taking booger back down to 2.25. He has done really well the last few days at 2.5 but I just checked him at nadir and he was 52 (alpha meter) first checked him on relion and it showed 34 so I double checked withthe AT meter. @JanetNJ @Kris & Teasel
     
  13. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    I agree with Janet (as usual). You could switch to one of the depot insulins (levemir or lantus) to even out the edges of the 12 hour cycle. Booger is going pretty high on those edges. Not many people dose 3x per day because of the monitoring and maintenance.

    I agree with you that he seems tp be doing a little better in the past few days. Kudos on the spreadsheet and the good progress to date.
     
  14. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Thanks tho he is 52 right now and just threw up. In freaking out. I don't not have the funds to take him to the ER and my care credit is maxed at the moment. It was just a little food and water. I think he went so low bc last night and today he has had nothing but wet food.
     
  15. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Ok he is going up. He's at 73 and drinking water now
     
  16. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    WARNING: Alphatrak under 70 is flirting with a hypo. You said he Booger was 52.

    With a potential hypo, you need to monitor closely. I would take another reading in 15 minutes. If Booger drops more, then you have a hypo. The protocol is basic:
    - ensure food is getting into him
    - get some karo or honey or sugar in him
    - target 70 or above
    - once he is at 70 or above for 2 hours after last food then you are ok
    - after 6 hour mark the insulin will wear down

    Ok. You are pretty fine for now. Make sure he stays at 70 or above.
    Tagging @JanetNJ because I'm going to take a 1 hour break from computer.
     
  17. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Thanks @JeffJ for replying. I'm actually sitting in the bathroom with him now. I feed him in here so my other cats dont eat his food. He has been eating the Tender Liver and Chicken Feast fancy feast for the last two cycles so that's way lower carbs than what he was getting with the dry DM. I'm sure that's why he dropped down today. I always check him at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 bc that seems to be his nadir times. He has been getting 2.5 for the last 3 cycles. I would love to get him on Lantus but its quite expense and I just lost my job. Ive got a few prospects right now so hopefully one of those will work out and I can make the switch sooner than later. I thought I was finally getting him some where and getting closer to getting him leveled out. So disappoibted right now. I should have known better than to give him 2.5 this morning. I did read some where that with lower carb food not as much insulin is needed so I should have known better.
     
  18. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Hes back down at 42. Gave him a little more kyro and some of his dry food. It has carbs in it so hopefully that will help him go up and stay up.
     
  19. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    @JanetNJ i know you are probably busy but i could really use your opinion when you get a chance. He is up to 115 at the moment. Hopefully he will stay up this time.
     
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  20. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Oh goodness I didn't realize you were having trouble.... Good job getting the numbers up
     
  21. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Now that he's in a safe range and you can breathe please update the spreadsheet. He got to the 40's on an Alphatrak? That's pretty low. He's pretty much at nadir, so stop feeding, wait 30 min and see if he's holding above 70 on his own
     
  22. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    He's down to 84 right now
     
  23. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Clearly 2.5 is too much. It's the second hypo with that shot. Back it down.
     
  24. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Ok that's still safe. Wait another 20 min and test again. No food.
     
  25. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    If you are ever having an emergency and looking for help on here, change the button at the top to the red 911... It will help you get attention quicker. I almost didn't see this because I had 16 notifications.
     
  26. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    You did such a good job today. Thank goodness for testing. I think you saved his life today.
     
  27. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    It's because I'm paranoid. He's been doing so good he did really well yesterday when I did the glucose curve but like I said I switched him to wet food for two cycles and I should have known to drop his dose. so do I need to take him down to two units or to 2.25 units?
     
  28. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    I would say 2. If in a few days that proves to not be enough you can always raise it. The other reason is that after a hypo like this they tend to be a little extra sensative to the insulin.

    My cat had a hypo to 44 in Jan that landed her at the er. Two days later I have her less then half what I normally would and she hypoed again... Back to er.
     
  29. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Oh no! I'm so sorry. I hope that doesnt happen with Booger. I have no job right now and dont have the funds for the ER. Pray for me and Booger please. He's at 105 currently but I will not feel at ease until he is in the 200s honestly. @JanetNJ
     
  30. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    What did they end up doing at the ER?
     
  31. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Janet. I'm back. Some great advice as usual. Janet was also helping another hypo case today.

    This was the 3rd hypo:
    3/15 AMPS +6hr
    3/16 PMPS +5hr
    3/25 AMPS +6hr

    For hypos, and actually for regular times. Any reading of 80 or above is just fine. You are trying to get the nadirs to 100-150.
     
  32. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    105 is great. Give his ears a break now. How long until he would be due for a shot?
     
  33. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Yeah I know but he went from 115 back down to 42 in like 15 minutes at one point.
     
  34. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Yeah we thankfully haven't had too many lately and then too very low ones in one day.
     
  35. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    He doesn't get his insulin until 8:30.
     
  36. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    They put her on a dextrose iv drip for a couple hours.
     
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  37. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Ok well let's see what it is then. We may suggest you skip or give a reduced dose.
     
  38. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    For followups tomorrow and after, I suggest regular posts to the novolin subforum here.
    That way other Novolin experts can help with dosing advice, and monitor your kitteh's progress.

    You have done well so far, and the spreadsheet looks good too. So many newbies don't put in the time like you have.
     
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  39. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Booger is on Vetsulin. I have never heard of Novolin. Thank you I am a helicopter paranoid mama.
     
  40. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    vetsulin and Novolin share a sub forum. I use vetsulin as well
     
  41. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Ok I will keep you posted. He is now up to 172. I guess it concerns me how slow he is going up. I mean I know that is good to go up slow but last time he went up fairly quickly.
     
  42. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    No no its good! We don't want him in the reds and blacks. Keep going slow!! You can give his ears a break now until preshot testing time. You go relax too. Go watch something funny on TV or something else to destress
     
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  43. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    Sorry, I meant Vetsulin. Both Vetsulin and Novolin share the same characteristics...which is why they have that subforum in common.
     
  44. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Oh ok. Thanks!
     
  45. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    @JanetNJ I am trying to breathe now but I am still worried. I cant help it.
     
  46. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Boogie is well past nadir. The number is high. Take a break.
     
  47. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    Janet is right. The issue is over. Both Janet and I have helped with many hypos in the past. This is the period where you get to sit back and relax. It is also a time to remember that you DID GOOD - and that you saved your kitteh.:)

    Unfortunately we have lost kittehs on the forum to hypos. You were prepared, and you asked for help in time.

    Leo (my cat) hypo'ed - 2 weeks ago. I had to go from Austin to NYC for work. Leo usually gets 4.5 units in the morning and 2.0 units at night. Theresa accidentally gave him 4.0 units in the PM. So we were both up until 2:30am resolving it. The next day Leo was like "What was all the fuss? Where's my Fancy Feast?...then my nap".

    Kittehs...they don't know how much worry and stress their beans have around diabetes.
     
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  48. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Thank you both for your help and kind words. Its a very stressful situation I'm sure you know. I know that he goes low between +4 and +6 so I always check him at +4 and depending on what he is, I will check in 30 minutes or the next he for that period to make sure he gets through it ok. Call me crazy but I'm very overprotective of my babies. If I go somewhere, I do.it way before nadir or after. I always make sure I'm home by noon. Once he gets past 2:30 and his number are good, then I will leave and run my errand. I get up in the middle of the night at 12:30am and do the same thing. Check him and depending on his level, I will retest in 30 or hr. I just play it by ear over that 2 he period.
     
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  49. Bellasmom

    Bellasmom Well-Known Member

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    I have really tried hard working on my stress levels as bella can tell when I’m stressed, when I’m stressed bella is stressed and stress can cause numbers to go up, if I feel my stress level going up or my anxieties going up I take a few deep breaths and try to remember it rubs off on him, you are doing a great job and best that you can and that’s all 1 can ask of themselves
     
  50. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Thanks @Bellasmom
     
  51. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Good advice from Bellasmom. So much of this is about managing our own stress and anxiety.
     
  52. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Ok so I only gave Booger 2 units last night and used the relion meter to check him from 12:30-2:30am as I am again, running low on Alphatrak strips ugh. I just got them Friday. Anyway, I should have some FreeStyle strips tomorrow. Anyway, I only gave him 2 units this morning and he was 560 (bc of the dry food yesterday I am sure) and at +4 he is only down to 415... is that normal?? He has never been this high at +4. @JanetNJ @Kris & Teasel @Bellasmom @JeffJ
     
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  53. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    He's in a bounce phase after those lime greens. It'll settle eventually and then you'll be able to assess the dose properly. He needed that reduction so keep that dose for a few days to see how it all plays out. Make sure you keep both spreadsheets up to date as you use them. It would be helpful to us if you say up front in a post:"please check ______ spreadsheet". It's confusing right now and could lead to errors in advice when you're in a tight spot.
     
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  54. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Ok I understand. I know its confusing me using two meters. I hope to get it to where I am only using one. I mainly used the AT2 yesterday during the hypo and to double check lower numbers on the Relion. It confuses me too bc the Relion shows lower readings than the AT2.
     
  55. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Yes, the ReliOn will always read lower with a bigger difference at high BGs and a much smaller difference at low BGs. For example, at a high BG level you might get a reading of 450 on the ReliOn but 600 on the AT (just making up numbers for this example). At the low BG end of things where you're getting a sign that a bit of food is needed, you'd be looking at 50 on a ReliOn and 68 on the AT. Those are approximations but they're reference numbers we use here all the time to tell people what to watch out for. Somewhere, someone, sometime determined that a reading of 50 on a human meter is roughly equivalent to 68 on the pet meter. Those two numbers are the most important to know. They're the ones that warn you to take action because BG is on its way down to (possibly) hypo level. All the other numbers above that on either meter just tell you how well kitty is doing - OK or too high. Too high is too high on either.

    It drives people bonkers to skip between meters if they're doing that. That's why we always say choose one and stick with it. If you can afford the cost of AT strips at the rate you have to test some days and you can keep a big stockpile of them for this purpose and stay on top of maintaining the stockpile use the AT. Most of us can't do that so we make the switch to a human meter and forget all about pet meters. It's a mind set and it can take some people a while to wrap their head around it.
     
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  56. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Yes it is hard to wrap my head around. Because if the dose is based off the nadir number than if the relion shows he is 151 (like last night) he could very well actually be 200 something which is not that great. He may actually need a little more insulin but me seeing 151 makes me think his dose is ok or a little high so I take him down a notch and he goes up. Does that make sense?
     
  57. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    I understand what you're saying. The nadir is very important to look at when dosing Vetsulin but we also pay attention to the pre shot numbers. It takes time and lots of SS data to learn your kitty's responses so that you can make good dosing judgments. If your meter is working properly and you're sure the blood drop was large enough and you get the business end of the strip well into it, take the reading at face value.

    Ignore for a moment that we can convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales. Let's say you're trying to decide what jacket to wear on a certain cold day. If you know the significant numbers on each thermometer - really hot, really cold, etc. it doesn't matter which thermometer you use. Let's say you choose the Fahrenheit thermometer: would a temperature of 35F make you choose a different jacket from a temperature of 5F? Probably - and what those temperatures are on a Celsius thermometer doesn't even come into the decision. What if you compare two different Fahrenheit thermometers on that cold day. The second one might read 38F where the first read 35F and the second might read 3F where the first read 5F. Would it change your outerwear decision? Not at all.

    We all understand Fahrenheit here - to continue my silly comparison. We also understand Celsius. However Fahrenheit is much more popular.
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2018
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  58. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Here's more explanation:

    EVALUATING PRE SHOT BG:
    • is it really high and what might be the reason? (dose too low, bounce going on, insulin duration is too short)
    • how high is it relative to nadir? (ideally you want a nadir that's about 50% of the PS)
    • is it high enough to give the full insulin dose?
    • is it close to the ideal of low to mid 200s? (for an in and out insulin like Vetsulin)
    EVALUATING NADIR:
    • is it too low because dose is too high?
    • is it more than 50% lower than PS? by a lot?
    • is it too high because dose is too low?
    • is it too high because kitty has bounced
    • is it about 50% of the PS BG and in the low 100s or high double digits? (for an in and out insulin like Vetsulin).
    Vetsulin if a stong acting in and out insulin that can drop BG quickly and low. It's best to aim for a nadir in the range I specified above so there's a bit of a safety cushion all the time. It's also important to be methodical and careful in changing the dose. That's what the testing routine is all about.
     
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  59. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    Jul 7, 2016
    As reference, I have been using the FreeStyle Lite strips in the AlphaTrak2 tester for over a year. I have found them reliable. Even though I'm in high tech and make a good wage, I didn't like paying the high price for the AT2 strips.
     
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  60. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    This would tell me that I was living too far north, and that I needed to move back to Austin TX. Although I won't be bragging about it too much in July :D

    Leo is enjoying it now....a good excuse as any for a gratuitous kitteh pic.
     

    Attached Files:

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  61. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Hey, Jeff, what's that green stuff Leo is lounging on? Winter here has been too long ... :confused:
     
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  62. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    So what would cause a cat to throw up? When booger was low yesterday he threw up some clear liquid. I have been watching him to make sure he is drinking water and of course he is getting it from his wet food too.
     
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  63. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    Throwup:
    Some cats just throw up if they haven't eaten in awhile. Leo seems to throw up every night. It's mostly bile. There is food for him to eat, but he is picky and wants "fresh food".

    Green stuff:
    That green stuff is actually plants. Maybe a strange concept for those living near the friggin arctic! Anyhow we used to have grass in the backyard. Too many trees shaded it out. Now we get 6-8 weeks of a clover field every spring. It's pretty neat. And is sure beats that white stuff you guys have all over the ground.
     
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  64. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Mar 12, 2018
    Thanks. I just got my freestyle lite strips woohoo! I also ordered some freestyle insulinx strips to test those out.
     
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  65. Smokey and Jessica

    Smokey and Jessica Member

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    Feb 8, 2018
    Best description ever! Thank you for this! It’s so hard to explain and I was one of those instistant on the alphatrack too and this way of describing it really helps it sinks in!
     
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  66. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Handsome dude is Leo! :smuggrin:
     
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  67. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    I'm glad it helped! :)
     
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  68. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    What code do you use on your Alphatrak with the freestyle strips. I just did a test and with the Alphatrak strip I got 563 and with the freestyle strip I got 619.
     
  69. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    You’d leave the AT meter set at whatever the cat code was on your last vial of AT strips.
     
  70. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Mar 12, 2018
    Its set at 38. That's what's on my AT bottle but still a huge difference in numbers ugh.
     
  71. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    These numbers are within 20% of each other. Glucose meters are allowed a 20% variance in the readings they give.
     
  72. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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  73. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    You could try 2.25 u today. Get a +2 to see what might happen.
     
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  74. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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  75. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Yes. What’s up
     
  76. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Mar 12, 2018
    I went ahead and gave him 2 units tonigut but can you take a look at his Alphatrak spreadsheet and tell me how much longer I should keep him at 2 units please.
     
  77. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I think it's OK to try 2.25. Have you eliminated the dry food yet?
     
  78. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Mar 12, 2018
    No ma'am I'm trying and he's eating less of it.
     
  79. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    If he really doesn't wanna give it up, try switching to young again zero carb. They will send a free sample of the food if you ask. Youngagainpetfood.com
     
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  80. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    @JanetNJ He did fairly well today with 2.25 units this morning. Got a little too low for comfort. I am using the Human meter sheet as I am using my AT2 meter with Freestyle strips so the numbers are running a little lower than what they would with AT2 strips. I would like your opinion on whether you think he went a little too low or should I keep him at 2.25? He has had FF wet food all day. He did have a little dry food in his wet food this morning to get him to eat.
     
  81. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Mar 12, 2018
  82. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    It's low but not hypo. I just wish it lasted longer. Honestly I would either switch to a longer acting insulin or consider 3 shots.
     
  83. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    It's a 12 he insulin I thought as its twice a day. Yeah I wish it lasted longer as well. Maybe I should do a glucose curve but every hour. May be able to get a better picture of the readings and how the insulin effects him through out the day. Should I consult the vet about 3 shots? I really can't afford $200 a month insulin :( especially not right now.
     
  84. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    Insilun lasts longer than a month. Usually 3-6 months.
     
  85. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Mar 12, 2018
    Oh, well the Vetsulin says to dispose after 42 days of first puncture. This is from the vetsulin site --> "*In the US clinical study, glycemic control was considered adequate if an acceptable blood glucose curve was achieved (ie, reduction in hyperglycemia and a nadir of 60–160 mg/dL), however, the Technical Services department believes that a nadir below 100 mg/dL in cats may warrant a decrease in the dose." So should I take him back down to 2 units since he was under 100 at nadir? I think today when he was at 86 he was probably really in the 90's (if I would have used a AT2 strip). I am just afraid of giving him 2.25 right now (it's time for his shot) and then he drop even lower tonight possibly in to hypo. What do you think?
     
  86. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    That’s a little low for comfort. I’d drop back to 2 u tonight. He might bounce high for tomorrow. Try leaving it at 2 u for a couple of days. I like the green he had at 2 u a couple of days ago.
     
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  87. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I know that's what the packaging days but if kept refrigerated it lasts at least 3 months.
     
  88. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I agree. Maybe less bouncing at 2 units eventually. Hopefully
     
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  89. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2016
    Something to consider - Levemir. I get mine directly from Alan Hamman in the subforum "Supply Closet", who is in the Dallas area. I never knew him before the first order. He is a cat owner and a nice guy. He has always shipped on time. An alternative supplier is Marks Pharmacy in Canada...which many people order from.

    Let's assume you use 3.0 units/dose, which is 6.0 units/day. Here is a cost analysis for Levemir.

    You can purchase individual pens, or a pack of 5 pens. A pack of 5 pens is ~$180 including shipping. Each pen has 300 units. I never bought a single pen, since I buy 5 at a time. Costs:
    ~$40 for 1 pen = 300 units
    $180 for 5 pens = 1500 units

    Their expiration is October 2019 if kept refrigerated. Let's assume you use 3.0 units/dose, which is 6.0 units/day. Those pens would last you:
    ~$40 for 1 pen
    = 300 units
    = (300/6) = 50 days
    so that is $0.80/day ($40/50 days)

    $180 for 5 pens
    = 1500 units
    = (1500/6) = 250 days
    = 8.3 months
    so that is $0.72/day ($180/250days)
     
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  90. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    Tthanks for the info. I can't just switch him right I would need to discuss with the vet.
     
  91. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Mar 12, 2018
    So this vial I have I can use safely past 42 days?? Which is April 2.
     
  92. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    Jul 7, 2016
    No problem. Your kitteh's health and well being are fully under your control. When I was newer to diabetes, I ran everything by the vet. It's your choice.

    However you are connected to multiple diabetes experts here. When I switched Leo to Levemir, I informed my vet about it. But it was mostly a courtesy.
     
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  93. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Yes. My vet said they last 4-5 months if stored and handled properly although I usually only keep them three months just to be sure they are full potency. I've never noticed a change in numbers when switching to the new vial, so they must still work the same. I keep the old one as back up in case I drop and break the new one.
     
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  94. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    @JanetNJ @Kris & Teasel @JeffJ i hope one of you is up. I'm confused! Booger was 85 this morning when I checked him before feeding! Like say what?? So obviously no insulin this morning but what now? Check him in a little while and if he is high give insulin or wait until dinner time???
     
  95. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Delay without feeding for up to an hour. If it goes over 200 you can shoot (reduce the dose of its close to 200) or skip if it's still under 200
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2018
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  96. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I would start by not feeding and test again in 30 minutes and see what it is
     
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  97. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Yes, don't feed, wait 30 minutes (from your post's time), retest and let us know. You can repeat this for up to an hour's delay as Janet said. If he doesn't get to 200 go with skipping because you don't have enough data yet to predict his response if shooting on a lower PS. If he's close but still under, post here for advice.
     
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  98. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Mar 12, 2018
    Well dang I wish I would have known not to feed. He woke me up bc he was hungry lol. He didn't eat much.
     
  99. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    Haha ok well what's the number?
     
  100. Booger's Mom

    Booger's Mom Member

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    Mar 12, 2018
    He is currently 133. I don't give his shot until 8:30. Its 8:09. I usually feed anywhere from 45min to an hr before because he pretty much snacks and I want to make sure he eats a good bit before his shot.
     
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