? Simba curve AMPS 142, +5 106, +8 116, +12 PMPS 158 Keep dosage at 1u ?

Hi everyone. Here is Simba's spreadsheet showing his curve today Simba's spreadsheet He went from 2u to 1u last week, and this is his first curve since lowering his dosage. What are your thoughts on whether I keep the dosage at 1u, or change it? If change, to what? Look forward to your recommendations. Thank you.

Mariella & Simba

 

Did you get any tests between Oct. 6 and Oct. 19? That helps us determine dose advice. Also, are you following TR or SLGS?

 

Yes, during the period 10/7 through 10/12 his vet had taken him completely off insulin (was a 2u dose), hoping for remission. Those AMPS numbers were 10-7 113, 10-8 120, 10-9 145, 10-10 150, 10-11 159, 10-12 193. Should I put them on the spreadsheet?

He is on the SLGS protocol right now. Thank you.

Mariella & Simba

 

yes, please put it on the spreadsheet and just indicate 0 for no insulin and make a note that he was at the vet. Do you know if they also used the Alpha Trak at the vet?

 

With the 106 you got you would hold the dose with SLGS and get another curve in 7 days.

It's a good idea to get some night time tests in when you are able to. You only have half the picture without them. A lot of cats go lower at night. Most people try to at least get a before going to bed test.

 

I don't think I've stopped by before so "welcome!"

In addition to adding the information about the numbers from the days the vet told you to stop insulin, you really need to be getting tests during the PM cycle. At minimum, can you get a "before bed" test every night? Many cats experience lower numbers during the PM cycle. In addition, without PM numbers, you're missing half of Simba's data.

Just an additional word... We do not consider a cat in remission unless numbers are consistently below 120. Vets sometimes shudder at these "low" numbers. It's sort of understandable as to why -- most of their clients do not home test. Because you're testing, you have a great deal more information and control over what's happening with Simba's diabetes. Your testing allows you to keep Simba safe.

In response to your question, it looks like you've just completed one day at the 1.0u dose. You will need to hold the dose for a week since you're following SLGS unless Simba earns a dose reduction.

 

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your replies. I have updated Simba's spreadsheet with all the BG tests I have for him, Simba's Spreadsheet. Note that all of these tests were conducted by me, not in the vet's office. Didn't mean to confuse with an earlier comments. I appreciate the advice on testing at night, as I haven't been doing that, and you're right, I am missing half of his day to know what is going on. I am still mentally struggling with doing so much testing on him. It usually takes two of us, as he is fractious and jumpy, and prone to hide under the bed if he thinks "something" is going to be done to him. I can see how much information one has, however, if you do frequent testing.

In maybe a sentence or two, can someone explain what "earn a dose reduction" means (or point me to a link). I am presuming it is by hitting a nice low number, perhaps consistently, but need to better understand that term.

Thanks so much for everyone's help. It is a bit scary to be caring for him without much vet involvement, but I know many on this board have given up on their vets and are going it with just the advice here, which is clear is much better than a general practice vet could give, and probably internal medicine vets also. If our local veterinary specialty center had them (all three quit recently because Blue Pearl bought the center), I would have one of them overseeing Simba's care. But, while they are good, I didn't always agree with them when they treated my other cats for kidney and liver disease. In the end, each kitty guardian has to do what s/he thinks is best for their kitty, as s/he knows them so much better than any vet could. There is such a wealth of experience here, and I am grateful to be able to access it.

Mariella & Simba

 

Kitties 'earn' a reduction when their blood glucose falls below a certain number. For us since we're on the TR (Tight Regulation) protocol we reduce if Luci goes below 40. IF she drops between 50-40 three days while on the same dose, she can 'earn' a reduction that way too OR the final way - which Luci has never achieved, to have all nice green numbers for 7 days in a row. Ha! It's something to strive for...well, it was 3 sentences...When you choose a protocol - SLGS has a different threshold for reductions vs TR. Hope this helps!

 

If you are following SLGS, Simba earns a reduction if he goes below 90. If you are following TR, he earns a reduction if he goes below 50 for a newly diagnosed cat or 40 for a long-term diabetic (over one year).

 

Thanks to both of you for the definitions of "earns a reduction". Wow, so much to learn. . .